HR1687: HR1687 Barnett, Valerie; commend

This resolution is a ceremonial honor from the Georgia House of Representatives, not a change to state law. It recognizes Valerie Barnett, who served 21 years in the United States Army before becoming one of the first three staff members hired at the Georgia Department of Defense's Fort Stewart Youth Challenge Academy. The resolution describes her rise from a cadre member to lead teacher over more than 30 years at the academy, and notes that even after retiring in August 2022, she continues to volunteer as a mentor to cadets and graduates. It directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for Barnett as a keepsake of the honor.

• Formally commends Valerie Barnett for her decades of service mentoring youth at the Fort Stewart Youth Challenge Academy.
• Recognizes her 21 years of service as a logistics officer in the United States Army before her academy career.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Barnett.
• Extends the House's best wishes to Barnett for future health and happiness.

The resolution directly honors Valerie Barnett. It also references the staff, cadets, and graduates of the Fort Stewart Youth Challenge Academy who worked with or were mentored by her over her career.

This is a symbolic honor rather than a policy change; it creates no new rights, funding, or legal requirements. Its main real-world effect is a formal, published tribute recognizing Barnett's long record of military and youth mentoring service.

• The whereas clauses recount Barnett's 21 years of Army service and more than 30 years at the Fort Stewart Youth Challenge Academy, including her rise to lead teacher.
• The resolved clause formally commends Barnett for her service to youth in Georgia and the nation and wishes her future health and happiness.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to Barnett.

1. 2026-03-12House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-03-12House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-03-12House Hopper (House)

• Al Williams (D, HD-168)Primary sponsor
• Buddy DeLoach (R, HD-167)

• legislative commendation
• youth mentoring
• military veterans
• Fort Stewart Youth Challenge Academy