Marine Corps veteran Thomas Mash of Lawrenceville was recently sworn-in to a seven-year term on the State Veterans Service Board by Governor Nathan Deal at a ceremony held at the State Capitol.

Mash enlisted into the Marine Corps in 1972, after attending Indiana University on a wrestling scholarship. He was the Corps’ 1974 freestyle wrestling champion. Mash achieved the rank of Sergeant, before his discharge in 1976. He then went to work for Pontiac Motors in data processing.

Mash, still with GMAC at the time, moved to Lawrenceville in 1981. He started the Nature Craft Deck Company in 1985. In 1992, he began a 23 year career with Abatement Technologies as Operations Manager; retiring in 2016.

In 1998, Mash joined The Chattahoochee American Legion Post 251 (Duluth) and held positions of finance, adjutant, and post commander. He also served as the Ninth District Adjutant for 13 years under eight different district commanders.

Mash was elected Treasurer of The American Legion, Department of Georgia, in 2007 and held that position for four years. He went on to hold positions as the state junior and senior vice commander before his election as Department of Georgia Commander for 2015-2016.

He continues to actively participate in his post and district while representing Georgia on the Legion’s National Committee for Internal Affairs and Revenue.

Mash, a life member of the Marine Corps League, and his wife, Susie of 30 years have four children and 12 grandchildren.

Serving as members of the State Veterans Service Board for 2017-18 with Mash are Chairman Charles Whitted of Blackshear, Vice-Chairman Daniel Cravey of Milner, Secretary Patricia Ross of Warner Robins, Shawn Hanley of Atlanta, Pat Phillips of Blairsville, and Phil Youngblood of Quitman.

The seven-member, governor-appointed, constitutional board recommends policy, procedure, and work projects for the GDVS. Through the Commissioner of Veterans Service, the board controls overall veterans’ policy for the state.

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For more information on the content of this news release, please contact the GDVS Public Information Division at 404-656-5933 or [email protected].