BRIAN SCOTT SAXON, Guyton

Tell us about your family.

I have been married to my beautiful wife for 14 years and we have 3 wonderful kids. Our oldest daughter Jordan Saxon-Capwell lives in Atlanta with her husband, is a SCAD graduate, and works in the movie industry as an assistant to the Unit Production Manager. My son Jake is 13 and is my sports buddy in all areas. He attends Savannah Christian and is a member of the football team and middle school baseball team. My youngest daughter Sarah attends Guyton Elementary School. Her hobbies are tumbling, gymnastics and chorus. Both Jake and Sarah are on the dean’s list. All is made possible by my wife who has held things together through deployments and other job-related duties all while serving the community as well. She is a 5th grade teacher at Guyton Elementary School. She has been teaching for more than 20 years and is the glue that keeps everything going.

What branch of service were you in or what organization do you work for?

After graduating high school, I joined the Georgia Air National Guard to serve my state and country, but also to learn a skill that would benefit me in the future. I used the GI Bill to pay for higher education but more importantly I learned the discipline to accomplish the goals that I had set for myself. At 21, I became a Deputy Sheriff for the Chatham County Sheriff’s Department and worked there for 7 years. I moved into an active-duty role with the GA Air National Guard (165th AW and CRTC) and spent another 20+ years moving up to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. I served as the Chief Enlisted Manager until I retired in December 2019. From there, I took a Title 5 federal position as the Facility Manager and Federal Resource Advisor for the 165th AW Civil Engineering squadron where I work today.

How do you give back to the community?

In Effingham County, I have coached football, basketball, baseball, and soccer for the county and the City of Rincon. My goal has always been to teach the fundamentals of the game and to make sure that the kids are learning the same life lessons I took from the coaches who taught me at an early age. I had always said if I were not in the current position, I would enjoy working with kids in this capacity on a full-time basis.

What is your most memorable experience during your time of service?

The most memorable experience is the many faces and places I served with my fellow airmen and other soldiers. I had the opportunity to serve on a detail to celebrate the 73rd anniversary of D-Day in France. The places I saw and the veterans I spoke with will remain with me. The sacrifices of these men and women are incredible and I was lucky enough to be able to have a part of that history in my career.

What would you tell others about serving your community?

I think we are all blessed to live in the greatest country ever, but there is an obligation for us all to give back however we can to make our towns, communities, states or country a better place. There is no specific way to serve your community, rather find something that fits with you and gives you a feeling of wanting to do it, not having to do it. Whether it is military service, first responders, police, fire department, board members, teacher, mentor, coach, church volunteer or many other ways, find a way to serve. The main goal is to just be involved in whatever way makes our community a place others want to live and grow their families.

JENNIFER ASHDOWN, Rincon

Tell us about your family.

I have a 17-year-old daughter, Ansley Wright. She is a senior at Effingham College and Career Academy and is part of the drum line for ECHS. My son, Andrew Irish, passed away in January 2022. I have an 11-month-old granddaughter, Adelyn.

What organization do you work for?

I am a Lieutenant for Effingham County Fire Services.

How do you give back to the community?

In addition to serving my community through the fire service, I have volunteered my time to coach girls’ volleyball with Effingham County Recreation Department as well as Effingham Elite Volleyball Club.

What is your most memorable experience during your time of service?

There have been numerous memorable experiences during my 17 years with Effingham Fire. However, I would have to say that the relationships that I have built and the family that I have gained over the years has offered some of the best memories. Not only at ECFR, but the Georgia Fire Academy, SERTC in Colorado, and all the local fire departments. There’s nothing better than family.

What would you tell others about serving your community?

Selfless service is so very rewarding. Never underestimate the power of a smile, a touch, or a kind word. I had an EMT instructor years ago that instilled in me to treat everyone like I would want my 90-year-old grandmother treated. That stuck with me and is how I treat citizens while on runs. I can’t imagine doing anything other than serving my community and helping those in need. It’s what I was born to do.

JOSHUA WRIGHT, Springfield

Tell us about your family.

I come from a large, blended family with four brothers, one sister, and 18 nieces and nephews. My wife and I have been married 15 years. We have four children, a daughter and three boys—Macee, Kaden, Landen, and Ayden. I believe our close relationships and support are crucial to our success—we rely on each other for advice and assistance. I am most grateful for my wife, Heather. She has stood by my side through thick and thin and always supported me.

What branch of service were you in?

I served in the United States Army and Air Force.

How do you give back to the community?

We give back through our businesses and volunteering when and where we can. We own Wright Wicks and Whisky Wood Custom Products. We are continually involved with local schools, charities, or anywhere we can be through fundraisers, donations, and even ourselves. One of our favorites was being part of an effort to pay the school lunch debt off for all of Effingham County.

What is your most memorable experience during your time of service?

My tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. The opportunity to experience the events and people there. It was a humbling and eye-opening experience. It has given me a greater appreciation and love for my country and our opportunities here.

What would you tell others about serving your community?

Giving back to our community and residents is a great feeling. It offers a sense of responsibility and accountability to your home. You affect lives and organizations that may not have happened without your support, and you know you did something that matters.

JEFFREY LEIN, Springfield

Tell us about your family.

I have been married to my wife Brittany Lein (Art Teacher at Springfield Elementary School ) since 2015. My oldest son, Wyatt, is a graduate of Effingham County High School ; Mason is 16 and a junior at ECHS; Colt is 4 and will start Pre-K at SES this year; our daughter, Hadley, is 2.

What branch of service were you in?

I served in the US Army from 2006–2013 and was stationed at Ft. Stewart. I served in Iraq in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. I was a 91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic.

How do you give back to the community?

I recently started my own trailer and chassis repair business called Veteran Fleet Services. I hire veterans in hopes of giving them purpose in life. Many of them struggle after getting out due to once having a rank, title, position, or authority then joining the civilian sector and none of that matters. It’s like starting over, and some feel they were once important and are now at the bottom of the totem pole. My goal is to hire at least two more veterans by the end of the year. I am also planning to start a nonprofit to take veterans and first responders offshore fishing.

What is your most memorable experience during your time of service?

My most memorable experience was my last deployment to COB Adder, Iraq. I was assigned to the 632nd Maintenance Company out of Ft. Stewart. We conducted field-level maintenance, force protection, convoy security missions, combat recovery operations as well as other services for COB Adder. I worked the night shift at the Motor Pool. The squad I had was like my family. We did everything together, from going to the gym to going to the chow hall. The bond we all made as brothers still exists today.

What would you tell others about serving your community?

Serving your community is a selfless service that anyone can provide. Whether it’s coaching a kids’ sports team or volunteering your time when others are in need, serving your community not only builds a better you, but also builds a better community.

CHRISTOPHER AGUAYO, Rincon

Tell us about your family.

I have a wife and two wonderful boys, ages 2 and soon-to-be 4 months old.

What branch of service were you in or what organization do you work for?

I served in the US Army.

How do you give back to the community?

In 2011, I founded Task Force Legion Milsim a non-tax exempt veteran nonprofit that aids veterans dealing with PTSD through paintball.

What is your most memorable experience during your time of service?

The camaraderie and brotherhood with my fellow soldiers.

What would you tell others about serving your community?

It’s a humbling experience and I challenge more veterans to get involved in their local communities and beyond.