Georgia’s Veterans Memorial Cemeteries in Glennville and Milledgeville will soon receive national recognition for their outstanding care for the legacies of those who served our country. James Earp, director of VA’s National Cemetery Administration (NCA) Grants Program, will present cemetery staff with Operational Excellence Awards at public ceremonies on July 23 and 24, 2025. 

The NCA presents Operational Excellence Awards to state veteran cemeteries that meet or exceed national standards during their triennial review. During the thorough review process, cemeteries are examined and rated for how well they follow key management and operational standards. This includes interment operations, grounds and equipment maintenance, and headstone alignment. 

“We proudly recognize the exceptional dedication of our staff, whose unwavering commitment to excellence upholds the standards set forth by the National Cemetery Administration,” said Dr. Patricia Ross, Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Service. “Through their compassionate service and meticulous attention to detail, they ensure that each burial is conducted with honor, dignity, and respect Every veteran deserves to be remembered with respect, and we are privileged to uphold that promise.”

Director Earp will visit GVMC – Milledgeville on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, for an award presentation ceremony beginning at 1 p.m. at the cemetery’s committal shelter. The public is welcome to attend the ceremony. 

On Thursday, July 24, 2025, Director Earp will visit GVMC – Glennville to present staff with their award at a ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. at the cemetery’s committal shelter. The public is welcome to attend the ceremony.

Director Earp will also tour the cemetery’s expansion projects during his visit. GVMC – Milledgeville, now expanding into phase 4B, serves as the final resting place for 5,890 veterans and their family members. GVMC – Glennville is currently undergoing its first expansion and is home to 2,788 interred veterans and their loved ones.

# # #

GVMC – Milledgeville is located at 2617 Vinson Hwy, Milledgeville, GA 31061. For questions and more information about the cemetery, call 478-445-3363 or visit https://veterans.georgia.gov/services/memorial-cemeteries/gvmc-milledge….

GVMC – Glennville is located at 8819 US-301, Glennville, GA 30427. For questions and more information about the cemetery, call 912-654-5398 or visit https://veterans.georgia.gov/services/memorial-cemeteries/gvmc-glennvil….

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