Rep. Johnson presents Patriot Award to local Veteran Jonathan Smalls for outstanding service

Congressman honors Jack Sartain with Community Service Award

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA – Today, Congressman Hank Johnson presented Stone Mountain resident Command Sergeant Major Jonathan Smalls with the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s Patriot Award (CMP) and a Community Service Award to Jack Sartain.

The CMP’s Patriot Award recognizes outstanding veterans for their contributions to our community and country.

As part of the presentation at the Arts Station in Stone Mountain, Smalls, a veteran of Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm, received an M1 Garand rifle used in WW II.

Smalls, who is past chairman of the DeKalb County Veterans Affairs Advisory Board and former commander of his Covington Highway VFW post, launched the “Feed the Homeless Program” through his Disabled American Veterans’ chapter. He also mentors students at Redan Elementary School in Lithonia.

“Jonathan Smalls is the very definition of a patriot, and I am proud to present him with the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s Patriot Award,” said Johnson, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. “I cannot think of a more deserving veteran for this prestigious award.”

“During my years of active duty in the military, I recognized that there was a need for a support person to assist my comrades and their families once they were discharged from the military,” said Smalls. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve these men and women that have sacrificed for this great nation.”

Congressman Johnson and CMP also honored Jack Sartain of Stone Mountain with a Community Service Award for his outstanding contributions as founder of the DeKalb Council for the Arts, his work on affordable housing issues and promotion of local music.

“Whether it's cultivating the arts, initiating affordable housing programs, tackling mental health issues or helping non-profits, Jack gets involved and stays involved until things change for the better,” said Rep. Johnson.

Cutlines: Rep. Hank Johnson presents Command Sergeant Major Jonathan Smalls with the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s Patriot Award (CMP), an M1 Garand rifle used in WW II. | Rep. Hank Johnson presents Jack Sartain of Stone Mountain with a Community Service Award.

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