Governor Perdue Appoints Representative Birdsong to the Veterans Service Board

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the appointment of Representative Kenneth W. Birdsong, District 104, to a vacant seat on the Veterans Service Board. All seven positions on the board are appointed at-large.

"Representative Birdsong's long and distinguished career as a public servant is a testament to his commitment to the people of Georgia," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "Few Georgians have given as much to our country and this state as Representative Birdsong. His retirement from the legislature marks the end of his service as an elected official, but not to his fellow Georgians. I am honored to appoint him to the Veterans Service Board."

A brief biography is provided below:

Representative Ken Birdsong has been active in Twiggs County Government for over 50 years, serving as Justice of the Peace (1951-1960), County Commissioner (1961-1976) and as State Representative (1976-2004). Representative Birdsong, one of Georgia 's longest serving and most distinguished legislators, is retiring after 28 years in the State House. In the legislature, he served as Chairman of the House Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee as well as being a member of the Rules Committee and senior ranking member of the House Transportation Committee. Representative Birdsong served in the United States Army - Veteran of World War II (1945-1947) and a tour of duty in Korea . Upon discharge in 1947, he enlisted in Army Reserves 340th Engineer Construction Battalion serving active duty in 1949 and 1950. He was discharged from reserve status in 1953. Also a very active member of his community, Representative Birdsong is a member of the VFW, American Legion, Exchange Club of Macon and is a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. He and his wife, Elaine, have four children and eleven grandchildren.