UNBREAKABLE RYAN DAVIS’ JOURNEY FROM BATTLEFIELD TO HOMETOWN HERO
VETERANS & FIRST RESPONDERS
Alisha Esselstein, Esq. has been named a 2025 SUPER LAWYERS GEORGIA RISING STAR for the second year in a row, an honor reserved for attorneys who demonstrate exceptional excellence in their practice. Only 2.5% of attorneys in Georgia receive this prestigious distinction.
In addition, Alisha won Georgia Business Journal’s “Best of Georgia 2024” in the Family Law Category, a testament to her dedication and the trust placed in her by the community.
PUBLISHER’S THOUGHTS
Veterans & First Responders
This Veterans/First Responder issue hits close to home in more ways than one. We’ve got stories that showcase the incredible resilience and dedication of people who’ve served our country and continue to serve this community.
Our cover story features the incredible Ryan Davis, a Ranger veteran whose story of overcoming incredible challenges will inspire you. Ryan lost limbs in combat, but his resilience and determination show what true strength looks like.
His journey reminds us that heroes aren’t defined by what happens to them, but by how they respond and keep moving forward.
We’re also sharing the story of The National Nurse Honor Guard and the Effingham branch. Their mission to honor fallen healthcare heroes touches all of us. Their work ensures that those who dedicated their lives to caring for others are never forgotten.
What strikes me about all the stories in this issue is the common thread of service that doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Ryan continues to inspire others through his example, and the Honor Guard continues to serve by honoring those who can no longer speak for themselves.
Effingham County has always been home to people who step up when needed. What I love most about our community is just that –the sense of community. Whether it’s military service, healthcare, or first responders, we’ve got folks who put others before themselves. This issue celebrates that spirit and the people who embody it.
To all our veterans and first responders in Effingham County— thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued commitment to making this community stronger.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Write and tell us what you think. Effingham Magazine welcomes all letters to the editor. Please send letters to Jan Southern at Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com. Letters to the editor must have a phone number and name of contact. Phone numbers will not be published.
ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
Effingham Magazine welcomes story ideas from our readers. If you have a story idea or photos to share, please submit ideas and material to Jan Southern at Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com. Stories or ideas for stories must be submitted by email. Only feature stories and photo essays about people, places or things in the Effingham area will be considered.
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Medicare Health Insurance Can Be Confusing. I Can Help.
Medicare health insurance can be confusing. Consumers are overwhelmed and worried about making a very expensive mistake. Unfortunately, people can let the fear of doing the wrong thing turn into doing nothing at all. As a health insurance broker with over two decades of experience, I’ve found navigating Medicare doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These are the most pressing questions I hear daily, along with straightforward answers to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.
Q: What is the charge for you to help review someone’s options during the Annual Enrollment Period?
A: Per Medicare guidelines, agents are not permitted to charge someone to discuss / review their Medicare plan options.
Q: How does an agent get paid if you cannot charge someone?
A: Agents are paid by the insurance carriers that they are contracted with to market their plans. If someone comes to me and has already been working with another agent, I let them know that if they have been happy with their agent and their agent has been servicing them appropriately to please reach back out to their agent. All agents are quoting off of the same platforms so the available plans, and the cost, are the same across the board.
Q: What’s the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
A: Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is government-provided coverage that includes hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B). Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private insurance companies, and it combines Parts A and B coverage and most of the time includes prescription drug coverage. Some of the plans offer some additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing but it depends on the plan and a person’s situation.
Q: Do I need supplemental coverage?
A: While not required, Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policies help cover “gaps” in Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Whether you want supplemental coverage depends on factors such as approximately how often you are going to the doctor / hospital, your budget, and your comfort with having an additional monthly premium with lower out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Q: What about prescription drug coverage?
A: Prescription drug coverage (Part D) is voluntary but important. If you don’t sign up when first eligible and need it later, you may face permanent penalties. Prescription drug coverage is included automatically with many Medicare Advantage Plans.
For 2025, there’s a new $2,000 cap on drug cost, which brings significant relief to many seniors managing chronic conditions. I recommend reviewing your medication needs annually to ensure your plan still provides the coverage you need.
Q: Can I keep my current doctors?
A: With Original Medicare, you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare patients. With Medicare Advantage, you’ll typically need to use doctors within the plan’s network to keep your out-of-pocket cost down. Before choosing a plan, I always help my clients verify their preferred healthcare providers’ participation status.
The biggest mistake people make with Medicare is assuming that the same plan works for everyone. Your neighbor’s perfect plan might not be right for you. Medicare choices should be personalized based on your health needs, budget, preferred doctors, and medications. Remember, Medicare decisions don’t have to be daunting. As your local insurance broker, I’m here to help you understand your options and find coverage that gives you confidence in your healthcare decisions. The key is starting early, asking questions, and working with a trusted professional who knows our local healthcare landscape.
Want to learn more about your Medicare options? Feel free to reach out – I’m always happy to help our South Georgia community make informed healthcare decisions. Together we can find a plan that works best for you.
RANGER TOUGH Local Veteran Perseveres After Tragedy
Story by Stephen Prudhomme
Ryan Davis played baseball at the University of Texas in Arlington. He later worked in healthcare in Oklahoma City before joining the Army so he could go after the “bad guys.”
Using a baseball analogy, the bad guys knocked him down with a “pitch” that left him with extensive injuries and the loss of several limbs. Proving you can’t keep a good man down, Davis swung back at adversity and hit a metaphorical home run by adjusting to a new and challenging way of life in a manner that illustrates the power of the human mind and spirit and inspires others.
Davis, 38, lives in Richmond Hill with his wife and son. Since October 2023, they’ve lived in a home provided for them by veterans’ advocate and actor Gary Senise. Medically discharged from the Army in 2022, Davis is largely confined to a wheelchair with two prosthetic legs and a prosthetic arm. Despite these challenges, he’s not bitter about how his life has turned out.
“You will have challenges in life,” Davis said. “How you react to them is important. That will tell you how your life will pan out. I will not throw my hat in the ring and exchange it for another life. I would do it 1,000 times over to just have our life. American juice, I know it’s worth it.”
Before serving his country, Davis excelled on the diamond and earned a scholarship to UT Arlington. Saying he was thankful for the ride and recognizing he was a little small to pursue a professional career, Davis took a job in healthcare in Oklahoma City.
In 2012, motivated to do his part to end hostilities in the Middle East by eliminating the bad guys, Davis joined the Army, following his grandfather and uncle. He signed up to become an Army Ranger. “It was more of a smash force,” Davis explained. “It reminded me of baseball.”
The training, Davis said, is the toughest in the military, describing it as taking a person beyond broken. Growing up on a farm in Oklahoma, Davis learned about hard work at a young age, and he said that helped him do uncomfortable things during training.
Upon completion of Ranger training, Davis began a series of four-month deployments that took him to Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. His tasks were varied and included helping set up a hospital and helping to save civilian lives during the Syrian conflict. “It was eye opening,” Davis said.
A week before his final deployment to the Middle East, Davis, on leave at Hunter Army Airfield, displayed his competitive spirit and determination by competing in his first marathon, on Hilton Head Island. He finished in under four hours and placed third in his age group.
Fresh off of meeting yet another challenge, Davis deployed to Afghanistan in August 2019 as a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment. He was part of a force
going after a “high level facilitator” of weapons when someone behind a wall started shooting at them. Davis went up to the wall to try and locate the shooter when it suddenly blew apart from a grenade explosion.
Davis said he felt his right leg shatter into 100 pieces up to his femur. His right arm was blown off past the elbow. Remaining fully conscious, Davis said a prayer for his wife and son and prepared to die. As he remarked, God wouldn’t have it.
What followed was a new procedure and dramatic escape by MEDEVAC helicopter out of the line of fire. Through the Ranger O Low Titer (ROLO) blood transfusion procedure, used for the first time anywhere with Davis, the severely wounded Ranger soldier received two units of blood from a fellow soldier who had been identified as a universal donor and was carrying blood transfusion bags.
That donor was Dillion Throckmorton. He described Davis as a true Ranger who was always willing and ready to take on the enemy in any situation but would take time to mentor younger Rangers and lead by example. He added his personality and humor are contagious.
The injuries Davis sustained, Throckmorton recalled, were the worst he’s seen in battle. He said he was sent out to set up a landing zone for a MEDEVAC helicopter to evacuate Davis and the other casualties. When two helicopters were unable to land due to enemy fire and mortars, medics treated the wounded men for three hours in the dirt.
With Davis still needing blood and blood supplies the medics brought along having run out, the call went out for Throckmorton to be a donor. He said he was about 100 yards away and ran through an open field under enemy machine gun fire before lying down next to Davis and giving him two units of blood through the first time ROLO procedure.
The next task was to get Davis to a medical facility. It wouldn’t be easy. The first MEDEVAC helicopter was shot down, and the second one had fueling issues. The third helicopter was overloaded with 43 men and Davis and flew 93 feet over the river to avoid detection before finally arriving
at an old base, where people lined up to donate blood while under enemy mortar attacks.
Davis eventually made it back to the States. He spent the next two years at a hospital in San Antonio, enduring 35 surgeries in his first month. Davis said he was at death’s edge for the first three months and lost his left leg to a bad infection.
A despondent Davis recalled looking out of his room window at a nearby parking deck and envisioning himself taking a power wheelchair to the top deck and rolling off to his death. “It was a dark time,” he said. Once again, God had other plans for him.
Still battling infection, Davis was sent to intensive care. During the night, he heard anguished voices outside his room and said he thought he was imagining things. The next morning he learned the voices were real and they had belonged to five power workers who had been electrocuted. They were expressing regrets about their lives and how they would miss their families before they died.
“I’m pretty impressed with his organization,” Davis said. “Gary’s one of the most grateful people I know for his love of country and the freedoms we have.”
In an example of paying it forward, Davis has established a nonprofit company. He travels around the country giving inspirational speeches and helps disabled veterans modify their homes with funds he earns from the former.
Through such gratifying service and a loving wife, Asia, nicknamed Rattlesnake, and son, Knox, Davis appreciates the life he has and almost lost and how God was with him all along. “I never questioned if there’s a God,” said Davis, who has written a book, “Rattlesnake,” slated for release later this year and chronicling his life from baseball player to soldier to family man inspiring others through courage, determination and faith. My faith is stronger than ever.”
My faith has never been stronger. “ “
That experience, Davis said, gave him a greater appreciation for his life and family. He no longer thought about rolling his power wheelchair off the top level of the parking deck. Davis was further bolstered when President Trump, during his first term, mentioned his name during a ceremony recognizing the heroic efforts of his Ranger unit.
By 2021, Davis had recuperated enough to leave the hospital in San Antonio and go to Walter Reed Hospital for physical therapy. He remained there for a year before returning to Hunter Army Airfield and eventually getting a medical discharge. Then came an unexpected call from Sinise, who informed Davis his foundation would build a mortagagefree, 3,000-square-foot home in Richmond Hill on two acres for Davis and his family. The home was handicap accessible and fully stocked and furnished.
Davis’ determination to lead a normal life carries over, not surprisingly, to one of his first loves - athletics. He engages in skiing and shooting as he continues to challenge himself, just as he did with Ranger school and running a marathon.
Throckmorton said Davis has beaten every statistic and shouldn’t have survived such severe wounds. Remarking his friend’s recovery was a miracle, he said he thanks God for keeping them both alive and cherishes the small part he played in the survival of such a great friend and person. Given all Davis has endured, Throckmorton added, it’s not surprising how he quickly adopted to life without his previous mobility.
“For someone to go through what Ryan went through and continues to overcome with his injuries, no normal man could do what he is doing,” Throckmorton said. “He is still the same Ryan from before the explosion, just on wheels now. His example of perseverance and sheer willpower is an example to us all. Rangers Lead The Way.” ■
Darrell Dasher grew up in the Sand Hill area, so managing the Rincon office of Yates-Astro really is “home” for him. He gives back to his hometown by officiating sports events for all age groups in and around Effingham County.
His influence goes beyond our area through his involvement as a Shriner and a Mason. Shriner Hospitals for children never charge for their services, a blessing that is the result of the work of Darrell and many others. The Children’s Home in Macon is an outgrowth of his volunteer work as well.
Darrell considers it a form of “giving back” to his hometown by protecting area homes and businesses as a pest control professional with Yates-Astro. It is hometown people like Darrell Dasher who have made Yates-Astro, a family owned local business, the largest pest control provider in the region.
Dr. Shawna Strub, Dr. Leewood Still, Dr. Haley Bowles
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GEORGIA TRANSFORMER CORPORATION
Built by Families, Powered by Generations
At Georgia Transformer Corporation (GTC), family values run deep, and not just in spirit. As the largest manufacturer of power transformers in North America, GTC’s Rincon facility plays a critical role in delivering reliable energy solutions across the country. But beyond its technical capabilities, the company has become a home for multi-generational families whose careers are rooted in opportunity, pride, and shared purpose. These families are proof that GTC’s commitment to workforce development and internal growth pays dividends, not only in production output, but in loyalty, retention, and culture. Many employees have found GTC to be a place worth building a future. Among them are two local families, the Joneses and the Stricklands, who share how working together at GTC has shaped their lives, careers, and connections both on and off the floor.
Stronger Together, On and Off the Floor
For the Jones family, GTC has become a shared foundation of professional growth. Callie Jones has been with the company for nearly 13 years, having held a variety of roles across departments before settling into her current position as a payroll supervisor. Over time, her two daughters, Amanda Jarrell and Brandi Jones, have followed her lead, each carving out their own careers in the facility.
Callie Jones and her daughter Amanda Jarrell carry on a proud family legacy at Georgia Transformer.
Shown left to right: Jonathan, Dallas, and Wayne — this family shares a commitment to hard work at Georgia Transformer.
“When I got in here, I established my teams. They’re tight-knit,” Callie shared. “It’s the comradery that the teams build. If you think about it, you spend most of your time with the people you work with, so the teamwork and relationships you build is what keeps me here.”
Amanda, the youngest, joined seven-and-a-half years ago. “When I first started here, I didn’t have any experience warehouse related. When I came in, I wasn’t expecting it to be a whole career, but it’s turned into that and I’m really thankful to be able to work myself up to where I am now,” she said.
She’s since advanced from a warehouse handler to receiving lead, expediter, and now serves as a materials process auditor for the corporate office. “There have been very great managers and co-workers who have taught me things about the company and work ethic that I learned along the way to get to where I am.”
Brandi joined the company five years ago. “I started in assembly in external. Once I learned that aspect of it, I moved over to shipping, where I’m now the packer and I pack parts that ship out accessory crates to the job site,” she said. “I love the people I work with and I enjoy my job. That’s what makes me continue to come in every day ever since.”
Working alongside family is more than just convenient, it’s meaningful. “It is neat to be able to just walk around the corner and see my mom at work and just talk to her and make sure her day is going well,” Brandi said. “She’s definitely showed me that hard work pays off in life, and just being able to see that every day has made me work a lot harder in what I do.”
plant came here, if you asked one of us about building transformers, we would’ve thought about the car robots.”
Like many outside the industry, he hadn’t realized that transformers are large, complex electrical devices that regulate voltage and safely deliver power across long distances. Transformers are essential to everything from homes and hospitals to factories and data centers. Today, he plays a key role in helping assemble the massive units that make modern life possible.
His time at GTC has brought not only a career but personal connections. “I made a friend here at this job and found out we live in the same neighborhood. We never would’ve met outside this job and I met his sister, who is now my girlfriend.”
Wayne, a cell lead in the insulation department, joined GTC after high school. “It was one of my first official jobs,” he said. “I joined because it’s a good location and it’s an interesting job.”
Though he left the company at one point, Wayne chose to return, a decision that speaks to GTC’s environment and opportunities. “I left then came back,” he said, offering a simple but powerful testimony to the company’s impact.
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Callie agrees. “For me, as a mother, it’s very prideful for someone to come up to me and say, ‘Hey I saw your daughter out on the floor and she’s doing a great job. She has pride in what she’s doing. You should be proud,’” she shared. “It does make mama very proud.”
Building Futures by Hand
Dallas Strickland, a cell lead in the connections department, has been with GTC for 15 years and has since seen both of his sons, Johnathan and Wayne Wise, join him at the plant.
“This was a great opportunity to work here because it’s close to home and good pay,” Dallas said. “I like staying here because I like the work. It’s steady work. They have good people working here.”
Johnathan, a group lead in the tanking department, was intrigued by the work after hearing about it from his stepfather. “Dallas told me about this job. It was something that I never heard about,” he said. “Before this
Much of the family’s mechanical skillset was built long before stepping onto the GTC floor. “I got both my boys involved in Boy Scouts. We always had projects going on,” Dallas explained.
“Johnathan was on the band saw at 7 years old and Wayne was 12. We did all kinds of building. We made a lot of stuff for Boy Scouts for nine years. That’s where they got all the carpentry skills that we use for building transformers. They know how to work every kind of tool there is and they’re good at it, because I had them work on projects since they were young.” Now, years later, those early skills have come full circle, refined on the GTC floor and put to use every day as the family builds some of the most critical equipment in the power industry.
A Legacy in the Making
At Georgia Transformer Corporation, careers are not only launched, they’re sustained and shared across generations. For families like the Joneses and the Stricklands, the plant is more than a workplace. It’s a source of stability, pride, and upward mobility.
Through reliable work, hands-on training, competitive benefits, and a team culture that values mentorship and internal growth, GTC continues to shape the future of American manufacturing. For families like the Joneses and the Stricklands, that future isn’t just promising, it’s personal. ■
UNDILUTED IN ITS MISSION
Coffee Bluff Marine Rescue Squad Has Answered the Call for More Than Six Decades
Story by Stephen Prudhomme
For 66 years, the Coffee Bluff Marine Rescue Squad has answered the call on intercoastal waterways from Butterbean Beach to Ogeechee Cove. Volunteer members have helped individuals who were lost, ran out of gas with their boats, and in some of the most difficult and challenging cases, recovered drowning victims.
The names have changed over the years, but the commitment to serve remains as strong—frequently fueled by family tradition, a love of the water, and a desire to help those in distress.
The Coffee Bluff Squadron serves under the Coast Guard and Chatham County Marine Patrol and is one of six in Georgia and South Carolina. It has 30 active members, 25 of whom have boats they can use on rescue calls.
A Family Legacy of Service
Denis Robertson has been a member for 30 years, but he’s been connected to the squadron for his entire life.
Since he lives near the squadron building, Robertson doesn’t have far to go when his services are needed.
“I do it because it’s the right thing to do,” Robertson said. “I come from a long line of military. I’m doing something not everyone can do.”
Although Robertson’s father wasn’t a member of the squadron, his son said he knew some of the original members from all the times they came to rescue the elder Robertson when he ran into various problems while out on his “raggedy boat.”
Robertson said his mother would call the squadron when her husband didn’t come home by a certain time. “They got him several times,” Robertson said. “I’ve known some of the members since I’ve been a child.”
Origins of Service
Coffee Bluff has operated since 1959 and is the second oldest of the six squadrons in Georgia and South Carolina. Tybee is the oldest squadron, dating back to the late 1950s.
When two teenage boys went to Little Tybee Island to go camping and a storm was headed their way, concerned parents took two boats to the island to rescue the teens. That provided the impetus for Tybee Island Police Chief David McCutchen and a group of island residents to establish a marine rescue squad in January 1959; the rescue of the teenage boys on Little Tybee Island had highlighted the need for a rescue
squad given that the Coast Guard, with its larger vessels, could not provide assistance in all cases.
Later that year, a local lawyer who owned property on Coffee Bluff donated half of it to the city, which subsequently developed a park. The other half was designated as a site for a rescue squadron.
With the land secured, a group of men who were coworkers of the Tybee Squadron members at either Union Camp or BellSouth Telephone Company went about constructing the squadron building. They were Tony Strozzo, Tom Cooler, Jake Stanley, Bud Warren, Dub Phillips, Mike Love, Bob Parrish, and Harold Fountain. Calling on the experience of builders and masons in the fledgling squadron, they constructed the building that serves as its headquarters and features a floating dock.
Decades of Dedication
Joe Kreger is the third oldest member of the Coffee Bluff Squadron. Living in Rose Dhu, a community of some 50 homes, the 80-year-old joined in 1978.
“I enjoy the camaraderie and the guys,” said Kreger, who doesn’t own a boat anymore but goes out on calls to help satisfy the requirement of having two squadron members
onboard. “We’ve known each other for many years. We’re good friends. It’s a good organization.”
Kreger said he joined the group because he had a boat and wanted to help out. Calls would take an average of five to six hours, he noted. Nowadays, with cellphones, the average time is two hours.
What hasn’t changed is the squadron’s ability to navigate waterways with which the Coast Guard isn’t as familiar. “The Coast Guard doesn’t know the ins and outs of the marshes,” Kreger said. “We’re able to navigate at night. They take care of the ocean and we tend to everything else.”
Beyond the Waterways
The Coffee Bluff Squadron occasionally goes beyond the usual waterways to render assistance. Kreger said 15 to 20 squadron members have gone to Ossabaw Island following storms to remove downed limbs. They’ll even take to dry land, sending crews by trucks to Charleston with relief supplies and to help clean up in the aftermath of hurricanes. That spirit of altruism extends to the squadron brotherhood.
“You help each other out on and off the river,” Kreger said. “It’s a good feeling.”
Honoring Our Veterans
Kreger, Robertson, and their fellow squadron members also get a good feeling when they hold an annual fishing day and fish fry for 20 soldiers with long-term injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield in April. Held for the past four years, Take a Veteran Fishing allows these veterans to try and hook the big one and enjoy their catch as the featured entrée.
“It’s a big deal for us, and they really enjoy it,” Robertson said. “It’s low key. We don’t publicize it or do any advertising. They get away for a day. A lot of them have never been in saltwater or fished. They like getting away from everything. It’s neat to talk to these folks.”
Community Support
Speaking of food, the squadron holds an annual barbecue dinner fundraiser in April. Held at the group’s facility located at the end of White Bluff Road on the Forest River, the event sells over 2,500 dinners of pork, coleslaw, Brunswick stew, and a roll; members cook over 2,700 pounds of pork.
“We don’t charge for our services,” Kreger said. “The barbecue pays for our property.”
A Lifetime of Service
Another longtime member is Ronnie Hinley, 75, who has homes in Savannah and Effingham County. He joined in 1985, following his father, an original member, and a number of friends and acquaintances. Hinley said he’s made lifelong friends and enjoys the challenge of being a squadron member. Responding to many calls over four decades, one remains especially memorable.
Hinley and one of his sons went on a call with the Coast Guard and encountered radio communication problems. “The Coast Guard helicopter was hovering above our
boat,” Hinley recalled. “The Coast Guardsman was on the helicopter skids, and we were shouting at one another. That was interesting.”
Then there are the calls squadron members dread but recognize as part of the job. As a longtime member, Hinley, not surprisingly, has helped in the recovery of a number of drowning victims. “Those are somber events,” he said.
Hinley has answered the service call for much of his life, starting as a volunteer for the Southside Fire Department when he was 14 years old and continuing as a member of the Air Force during two tours in the Vietnam War. Joining the squadron allowed him to continue to help others as a member of a team.
“I like the volunteer stuff,” Hinley said. “We have good, hardworking people who get involved. You get called all hours of the night. You just get up and go.”
Hinley is a life member in more ways than one. Being a longtime member, he was awarded that designation. Then there’s his decision to remain with the squadron “until he’s not alive anymore.” Hinley adds, “They’ll put my ashes in a can and throw them in the river.”
The Most Difficult Calls
The most difficult calls for the squadron are recovering drowning victims. These include the victims of boat mishaps, plane crashes, and other incidents. For Robertson, one of these calls involved a family member. His first cousin, Ed Gross, drowned near Green Island in Ossabaw Sound in 2010 after his boat broke loose from the beach.
“I was happy to help recover his body for his mom,” Robertson said. “I hated that it was my cousin.”
Rescuing children is not as emotionally trying for Robertson. “When kids are involved you want to get there quick,” he said. “It’s very rewarding when you can rescue them.”
A Natural Fit
It was almost inevitable that Robertson found a home with the squadron. Along with his father being rescued several times, he grew up a mile from the squadron building, worked as a commercial fisherman for many years, and lives on the river. During his 30 years, Robertson has served as skipper, secretary, and beach master, the latter making him the first point of contact for the Coast Guard and local law enforcement; his wife, Teri, coordinates the disabled veterans fishing event and serves as communications officer for Marine Rescue Squad National.
“It’s a natural fit,” Robertson said. “It’s fun to do it. Occasionally it will get serious. I can call on these folks for anything at anytime. When the chips are down, they’re right there.” ■
“You help each other out on and off the water.”
TNT PEST CONTROL & CONSULTING
When it comes to protecting your home or business from unwanted pests, experience and dedication make all the difference. For nearly three decades, TNT Pest Control & Consulting has been the trusted local name in pest management across Effingham County and surrounding areas, delivering peace of mind with every service call.
A Family Legacy of Excellence
Founded in 2023, TNT Pest Control & Consulting isn’t just another pest control company–we’re your neighbors. As a family-owned and operated business, we understand the unique challenges that Southeast Georgia properties face when it comes to pest management. Our commitment to exceptional service and unparalleled customer care has made us the go-to choice for both residential and commercial clients throughout the region.
Comprehensive Pest Management Solutions
Our extensive range of services is designed to tackle any pest challenge you might encounter. Services include:
• Residential & Commercial Pest Control
• Advanced Rodent Management Systems
• Bed Bug Specialized Consulting
• Professional Mosquito Control Programs
• Wood-Destroying Organism Treatment
• Fumigation Consulting
• Strategic Pest Prevention Consulting
What sets us apart is our consultative approach. We don’t just treat existing problems–we work with you to develop comprehensive strategies that prevent future pest issues, saving you time and money in the long run.
Deep Local Roots, Strong Community Ties
At the helm of TNT Pest Control are Chuck and Mia Thompson, proud Effingham County natives who have built their lives and business in this community. Chuck has been in the industry for 28 years. Their connection to the area runs deep–having raised their three children here and now blessed with three grandchildren, Fynlee, David and Blakelynn. This local heritage gives them unique insight into the specific pest challenges our region faces.
Leadership That Inspires Trust
While ensuring TNT Pest Control maintains its reputation for excellence, Mia Branch Thompson also serves as the Market President for Renasant Bank in Rincon and Springfield, bringing her business acumen and community leadership to both roles. This dual commitment to professional excellence and community service underscores TNT’s dedication to the area we serve.
Ready to Protect Your Property?
Don’t let pests compromise your comfort or safety. Contact TNT Pest Control & Consulting today for a thorough evaluation and customized treatment plan.Your peace of mind is our priority. When you choose TNT Pest Control & Consulting, you’re not just getting a service provider–you’re gaining a long-term partner in protecting your property.
Small Family Business, BIG Reach
Habitat ReStore to Host Customer Appreciation Day
The Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County ReStore will host its annual Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday, August 23.
This yearly celebration is a way to thank the ReStore’s loyal customers for their role in making the ReStore an invaluable resource for affordable building supplies, appliances, furniture and household goods for nearly 20 years.
“Every dollar of revenue generated by the ReStore goes into building attainable housing in our community. By shopping here instead of a big-box store, you’re helping local families on the path to home ownership and contributing to a circular economy,” says Kait Rapp, manager of the ReStore.
The store is stocked in part with donations from residents and businesses who bring in their surplus materials. In addition to gently used items, the ReStore also stocks new flooring, paint and energy efficient LED light bulbs.
Guests will be greeted with a cookout and opportunities to win raffle prizes donated by Habitat for Humanity supporters. In previous years, raffle prizes have included gift baskets, a handmade quilt, tool kits and a shed. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $2 each at the ReStore in the days leading up to the event and until 2 p.m. on August 23.
Keep an eye on Habitat of Humanity of Effingham County’s social media platforms for updates on customer appreciation day, including previews of the raffle prizes available.
If you can’t make it to customer appreciation day, you can shop the ReStore’s ever-changing inventory every Thursday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Popular items include patio furniture, sectional sofas, outdoor storage and toolboxes.
You can also support the ReStore by signing up for a volunteer shift or donating items to be sold at the store. Every Wednesday-Saturday, volunteers can help with tasks at the ReStore, including stocking, cleaning, organizing and office support.
Volunteers can sign up individually or as a group using the QR code. Donations can be dropped off at the ReStore between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Large donations can be picked up from your home by appointment only.
Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County is gearing up for another home that they hope to start building later this year.
“Now that we have completed the development on 4th Street Extension in Guyton, we look forward to starting a build for another family,” says Jimmy Rutland, President/CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County. “We appreciate the ongoing support of the community.”
SCAN TO VOLUNTEER
CROSS COUNTRY AND HURRICANE 5K
Coastal Homeschool Athletic Association
Story by Katrice Williams | Photography by Scott Douglas Miller
The Coastal Homeschool Athletic Association, Inc. (CHAA) held its first annual Hurricane 5K event on June 28, hosted by City Club at Lost Plantation. The goal of the event was to raise funds for CHAA’s cross-country team.
About CHAA
Founded in 2010, CHAA is a Christian sports program for middle school and high school students who desire the opportunity to participate in sports, yet are homeeducated or attend a school that lacks an athletic program. CHAA teams are called the Hurricanes. The nonprofit is led by parent volunteers, with a mission “built around the ideals of team unity, Christ-like character, and honor—on and off the field, including online.”
Similar to traditional athletic programs, CHAA’s student athletes have the opportunity to earn collegiate scholarships and varsity letters. The organization offers a variety of sports: baseball, basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, cheerleading, and cross country. Middle school student athletes may also participate in golf.
CHAA strives to promote high levels of student success by offering resources to ensure students have what they need to flourish. Student athletes can participate in homeschool programs such as Classical Conversations, a local Christian homeschool community that helps foster an enriching, Christ-centered learning atmosphere.
Families support their children’s scholastic development by learning and growing together, with academic tutors available to assist students.
CHAA organizes a variety of events to ensure students benefit from memorable occasions that may not otherwise be available to them, including homecoming and prom activities, along with graduation-related events.
Dave Jungeberg has been part of the CHAA family for about four years. He has seen how the organization has tremendously benefited his own daughters, who participated in several of its sports.
“CHAA values students holistically and cares enough to hold them accountable. The organization really focuses on character and wants to develop students on multiple levels—excellence in both academics and athletics. They are invested in them and want to see them grow in all areas of their lives. The coaches I’ve worked with have been wonderful,” Dave states.
Dave recalls when two of his daughters joined the program: “Having the opportunity to see the affirmation from their coaches and teammates, who celebrated their success, really impacted their self-confidence in a healthy way. They were part of a group of kids challenging themselves and working to gain skills to get better and be more competitive. The impact it has had on my daughters has been awesome.”
Many coaches are parents with children currently or formerly in the program, so they are committed to the success of all the children and the organization as a whole.
Foundation of Faith
CHAA is governed by a board of directors that helps maintain the overall mission and vision of the organization. CHAA’s success is attributed to its Christian foundation of faith rooted in Jesus Christ. Everyone who is part of the organization must be in complete alignment with the CHAA Statement of Faith, which is based on Scripture from the Word of God (The Holy Bible). Some parts of the statement include: “We believe in one, true God, perfect in all His attributes, eternally existing in Three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit... We believe in the Deity of The Lord Jesus Christ, His sinless life, miracles, atoning death through His shed Blood on the Cross, His bodily Resurrection from the dead, His Ascension into Heaven and His imminent Return in all power and glory... We believe that Salvation is a free gift,
given to the sinner by Grace and received by personal faith in Jesus Christ...”
Cross Country
Last year marked the inception of CHAA’s cross country team, which has been a great addition to the organization’s sports lineup. Dave began coaching the cross-country team about a year ago.
“Cross-country is a particularly welcoming sport because it provides an opportunity for all students to compete. Some students will excel and compete at high levels, while others will challenge their own times and better themselves,” Dave says.
Dave initially became interested in coaching cross country after noticing how interested one of his own daughters became in the sport. As an avid runner, it piqued his interest as well.
“My daughter was interested, and I love to run. Cross country is accessible to most students. Everyone competes at the meets—there isn’t a bench. There is room for students to compete and excel, but there is also a place for beginners to try to improve their personal times. It’s fun to see the students’ times improve throughout the course of the season,” he says.
Dave has seen students join the team for various reasons. Some compete at high levels within the sport, while others are encouraged to join with a friend.
“It’s enjoyable to see all the kids welcome and encourage each other and improve from level to level.
It’s incredibly rewarding watching the student athletes grow, develop, and achieve things they didn’t think were possible at the beginning of the season,” he says.
After becoming the cross-country coach, Dave met with parents regarding certain fees that would be incurred (equipment, insurance, etc.). He was driven to ensure that CHAA sports could be financially feasible for families.
“I wanted to make it more financially accessible for families. Some families have multiple kids, so fees can add up. In the homeschool community, there’s no school to pay for insurance, entrance fees, and equipment. The families pay this themselves, so fundraisers are especially helpful,” he states.
Hurricane 5K
Dave decided to spearhead a 5K initiative with the primary purpose of providing monetary support for the athletic program.
He is immensely grateful to City Club for hosting the event at Lost Plantation. The back nine of the golf course was completely shut down for the event, allowing participants to loop around the newly renovated golf cart path.
“It would be difficult to find a more beautiful location. They’ve been wonderful and helpful with some of the logistics, helping to make the event a success,” he says.
The Hurricane 5K included a running race, rucking race, walk, and a one-mile fun run. Race T-shirts featuring the race logo and sponsors could be ordered. Participants poured in to take part in the event. It was a great success, largely due to all the support from the community. Dave appreciates the great group of committed volunteers.
“It’s fun to invest in the kids together as a community. God blessed the race in a lot of ways, providing the right people, the right interests, and the right investments,” he states.
Community Support
CHAA’s overall success depends upon the generosity of sponsors, along with donations and fundraisers. Sponsors include City Club, Publix, Patriot Pros Roofing, Savannah Healthy Vending, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Chickfil-A (Rincon). Dave is grateful for all the kindness and unwavering support shown by benevolent sponsors and others who have supported CHAA.
“I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to get to know some of the business owners in the community better. There are a lot of amazing people in our community—those who invest, help network, promote, and support. That’s a reward,” he says.
Anyone who would like to become a sponsor or receive additional information about CHAA may visit www.coastalhomeschoolathletics.org.
Dave is looking forward to the continued success of the entire organization, and he is certainly looking forward to next year’s 5K.
“It’s fun to watch what God does,” he says. ■
Explore Windows of
DONNA & BECKY
ASHLEY BOYETTE STATE FARM INSURANCE
“We protect families and plan futures,” says Ashley Boyette, State Farm Insurance Agent. “Whether its auto, home, or life insurance, we can take care of what matters most in your life.”
Ashley focuses on finding solutions. She says, life insurance is one such area, “Life insurance is where we can be a beacon of light during a time of trauma and loss by providing much needed funds.” The proceeds can pay off debts that might otherwise leave loved ones in a difficult position. Ashley can find a policy that ensures your family can stay in their home, something she is passionate about. “As little as $20 a month can buy peace of mind,” she says, “And we often settle the death claim within five days.”
She supports small business as well with benefits packages for owners and their employees. Her services are free of charge every day. She says, “I love what small businesses bring to our community, from yoga studios to restaurants. Our area is growing, and it is such a wonderful community.
Ashley graduated from Georgia Southern University and is a longtime Effingham County resident. Being local means Ashley sees her customers in town, at community events and while volunteering at Habitat for Humanity, the Rotary Club, and the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce.
Ashley Boyette’s State Farm Insurance is a customer-focused office where the friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to serve you.
Ashley says. “Give us the opportunity to earn your business. Call us today!”
Nurses Salute Their Own in Final Tribute
Story by Gail Parsons
Long before high-tech hospitals and electronic records, nurses answered the call to serve — by lamplight, on battlefields, and in homes. From Florence Nightingale’s quiet care in wartime tents to today’s fast-paced hospital halls, nursing has always been a calling rooted in compassion and sacrifice. That spirit still runs deep, and today, the National Nurses Honor Guard helps ensure it doesn’t go unrecognized, not even in death.
In funeral homes and church sanctuaries across Georgia, the Nurses Honor Guard gather in crisp white uniforms to perform their signature “Nightingale Tribute,” a solemn, moving ceremony that honors nurses who have passed away. At its heart is a candlelight memorial, a symbolic ringing of the bell, and the presentation of a small Florence Nightingale lamp to the family.
“It’s a way to honor our nurses,” said Dr. Erica Edfort, a retired nurse and nursing educator who helped launch the Ogeechee Region chapter of the Honor Guard in late 2023. “It’s showing how much we care. Many people don’t get that recognition.”
The local Ogeechee Region Honor Guard, serving Effingham, Bulloch, Screven, and Jenkins counties, has quickly grown to over 20 volunteers and performed 19 tributes since its founding. Part of a nationwide grassroots movement that began in Kansas, its members—retired nurses, active professionals, and educators—dedicate their time to honoring nurses with farewells steeped in the profession’s traditions and values.
Each ceremony is personal. Edfort said Honor Guard members begin by learning about the life and work of the nurse being honored. Families are invited to share stories, anecdotes, and career highlights. Whether a nurse worked in
a busy emergency room or a small-town clinic, whether they served for decades or just a few years, the tribute is tailored to recognize their unique contribution.
“I sit down and speak with the family members, sometimes for an hour or two, just to find some specifics about what their family member was like, what they loved to do, what their passion was, and I incorporate that into the tribute,” Edfort said. “Then they really understand how we felt about the person that we’re providing the tribute for. We’re not just reading something off of a piece of paper, a prepared dialogue.”
In one recent tribute, the team honored a retired neonatal intensive care unit nurse. Her family remembered her joking, “I love babies because they don’t talk back—but some of the grownups do.” That line found its way into the tribute, prompting quiet laughter through the tears.
“The laughter in the chapel was quite uplifting, because the tributes themselves can be quite difficult to get through,” Edfort said. “It’s not that we try to put levity into the tribute, but we try to include whatever information we can about the nurse that we’re representing.”
These moments — sacred and personal — are what make the Nightingale Tribute unlike other memorials. At the close of each ceremony, a bell rings three times: once for the nurse’s service, once for their compassion, and once to mark their final call to rest.
The family is then presented with a lamp, signifying the Nightingale lamp they all received when they graduated from nursing school.
“We light the candle at the beginning of the tribute, and we blow it out at the end,” she said. “Then we present it to one of the family members.”
The Ogeechee chapter operates on word of mouth and community connections. Volunteers monitor obituary notices, maintain contacts with funeral homes, and share information through nursing groups and social media. When they learn that a nurse has died, they verify credentials through the Georgia Board of Nursing, then reach out to families to offer the tribute, always at no cost.
Anyone who has held a nursing license is eligible to be honored.
The white uniform worn during the tribute is modeled after the traditional nurse’s dress, a visual connection to the legacy of caregivers throughout history. The Nightingale lamp, which glows softly during the ceremony, represents hope, guidance, and the enduring light of service.
For Edfort, the work is deeply personal. Before she retired from Chamberlain University in New Jersey, she had heard of the Honor Guard but only briefly. There were no chapters near her. After moving to Effingham County, she was a presenter at a nursing conference where she learned about the Coastal Georgia Honor Guard.
Although she has retired and now lives far from where she once worked as a nurse and educator, her passion has moved south with her. Being retired, she was looking for something to keep her connected to the nursing world, she found that in the Honor Guard.
“Nursing is a passion,” she said. “You have to have the passion to be able to do what we do. We don’t only care for the person under our purview. We have the patients, we have the families, we have our coworkers, we have our personal families, we have our friends, we have our neighbors. We are always nurses. We never stop, and once a nurse, always a nurse.”
In a fast-moving world where the contributions of caregivers are often taken for granted, the Nurses Honor Guard offers something rare: a quiet, powerful pause to say thank you. Because in the end, nurses spend their lives caring for others. And they deserve to be cared for—right up to their final goodbye. ■
TOOTH TRUTH: What’s the Deal with Fluoride, and is it Safe?
When it comes to protecting your teeth, fluoride is considered a dental care essential, recommended by dental professionals worldwide. However, there is still a lot of confusion about fluoride because it’s often mistaken for “fluorine,” a chemical in things called forever chemicals. So let’s explore the true benefits of fluoride and clear up some of the misconceptions.
FLUORIDE VS. FLUORINE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
A major source of confusion stems from the similarity between the words fluoride and fluorine, and their connection to a group of compounds called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), aka “forever chemicals.”
Here’s the key distinction:
• FluoriDe is a naturally occurring mineral that’s either added to toothpaste or water in very low, controlled amounts to help prevent tooth decay.
• FluoriNe is a highly reactive element that is part of the chemical structure of PFAS. These man-made substances are used in products like pesticides, nonstick cookware, waterproof fabrics, and some firefighting foams—and are NOT found in fluoride toothpaste.
Because fluoride is naturally found almost everywhere including our water, soil, rocks, foods and beverages, adding additional fluoride to our water supply may not be necessary. However, fluoride as a topical agent - as in with toothpaste- is necessary and super beneficial in controlling dental cavities in the mouth.
Fluorine in PFAS - “forever chemicals,” on the other hand, do not degrade over time, is highly reactive and toxic, and poses serious health risks to our bodies and the environment.
So, is fluoride safe? Yes! And here’s why.
WHAT FLUORIDE ACTUALLY DOES FOR YOUR TEETH
It makes your teeth stronger & prevents cavities: Every day, acids from food and drinks try to wear down your teeth. Fluoride helps rebuild and protect the hard outer layer of your teeth, called enamel.
Brushing with fluoride toothpaste can stop small problems before they turn into big ones (like painful cavities). It’s kind of like armor for your teeth.
It fights germs & kills the bacteria that cause tooth decay and Gingivitis: Fluoride disrupts the bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities and gum disease, keeping your smile healthier.
It’s totally safe (when used right): Studies have shown using fluoridated toothpaste is better and more effective in maintaining a healthy mouth vs non-fluoridated toothpaste. When teeth are more fortified, they look better, feel better, and last longer.
Dentists and doctors all over the world recommend using a small amount of fluoride toothpaste right before going to bed and when you first wake up to maintain a healthy mouth. It’s safe, and as long as you don’t swallow it, you should be good to go.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Fluoride in toothpaste = Good
for your teeth
Forever chemicals = NOT in your toothpaste, bad for your body (bad for your teeth)
So don’t worry—brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste is one of the best things you can do to keep your smile healthy. Just remember to brush twice a day, don’t swallow your toothpaste, and visit the dentist regularly. You’ve got this!
(912) 499-1133
iheartdental.com
135 Goshen Rd Ext #205, Rincon
mom-ing UN FILTERED
Finding Magic in the Madness of Motherhood
SPORTS MOM CHRONICLES: Bleacher
Butt and Snack Duty Pressures
by Alycia Calderin
There’s a certain magic to being a sports mom. It’s a chaotic, coffee-fueled world where your evenings and Saturdays disappear into a haze of assorted sports cleats, goldfish crackers, and folding chairs. It’s the ultimate unpaid internship – part-time cheerleader, part-time event planner, and full-time snack czar.
Picture this: it’s 7:30 a.m., you’re rushing to make it to the field. Someone’s left their shin guards at home, another insists they can’t possibly play without their lucky headband, and you’re clutching your travel mug like it’s the only thing keeping you upright. Or it’s 5:50 p.m., and you’re dashing from the office, grabbing quick dinner from the concession stand, racing to make it before your kid’s turn at bat.
You finally pull into the lot, unload the gear, and claim your spot on the sidelines with a lawn chair, wrapped in a blanket even though it’s technically spring. The wind is blowing, the ref is missing obvious calls, and somewhere behind you, a younger sibling is building a dirt empire.
Welcome to the world of sports moms, where our calendars are full and our trunks double as snack bars.
The Snack Game
Snack duty is not for the weak. The unspoken pressure to outdo the last family who showed up with custom labeled water bottles and Pinterest-perfect treats is real. You thought Capri Suns and Costco granola bars would suffice? Rookie mistake. By the time your day rolls around, Jen has already set the bar with homemade organic protein muffins, and Amanda brought individually wrapped nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free snacks with thank you notes attached.
Meanwhile, you’re in the grocery store at 9 p.m., debating bulk Gatorade but remembering the unwritten rule: if you get red, half the team will spill it on their
jerseys before the team photo. You show up with Goldfish crackers, fruit snacks, and the reassurance that at least you didn’t forget. Again.
The Sports Mom Tribe
There’s nothing quite like the bond between sports parents. We’re a tribe united by bleacher butt, portable chairs, and constant referee whistles. We exchange knowing glances when a kid starts crying over a bad call, share sunscreen when the sun gets relentless, and commiserate over tournaments that happen in every town but our own.
These moms become your lifeline – the ones who remind you what time practice starts and occasionally what day it is. We form friendships exchanging sideline wisdom on everything from meal prep hacks to carpool negotiations. We know which mom always has a first aid kit, which brings the best treats, and which is the unofficial team DJ.
Raising Sideline Siblings
If you’ve been a sports mom long enough, you’ve raised at least one “sideline sibling.” These pint-sized fans grow up season by season at the fields, running wild between bleachers with sticky faces, cheering for their older siblings with unmatched enthusiasm. They learn to sleep through whistles and buzzers, turn up in team photos uninvited, and commandeer soccer balls for impromptu games.
We watch them go from feral sideline dwellers to players themselves, finally old enough to lace up cleats and take the field. Their unbridled energy and love for the game remind us why we keep coming back, year after year.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
Watching your kid play is a rollercoaster of emotions. You’ll see the one laserfocused, charging down the field like their cleats are on fire, and then there’s the kid in the outfield picking dandelions,
blissfully unaware the ball is headed their way. Both are equally endearing, though it takes patience not to yell “Heads up!” to the flower picker.
If you’re the coach’s spouse, chaos reaches a new level. Suddenly, you’re the default equipment manager, post-game cleanup crew, and sounding board for every analysis. You smile through pointed comments about playing time and pretend you haven’t heard the “you should’ve run zone defense” critique 14 times on the car ride home.
The Real Victory
Through it all, you learn that being a sports mom is about little victories: seeing your shy kid high-five a teammate, watching them score their first goal, and raising kids who understand teamwork, dedication, and showing up whether they win or lose.
For us moms, it’s about building community. It’s shared laughs over spilled drinks, group texts at 10 p.m. asking about practice schedules, and unwavering support because we’re all just trying to survive the madness.
So to all the moms lugging coolers and pop-up tents, applying bug spray, and cheering until hoarse: You’re the unsung heroes of youth sports. You’re raising team players, teaching life lessons, and showing your kids what it means to be there.
The road may be bumpy, but it’s worth every bleacher ache and early morning. Because in the end, it’s not just about the game – it’s about the time spent together along the way. ■
EFFINGHAM
Savannah Technical College celebrates grand opening of new culinary institute, ushering in a new era of culinary excellence
