The founder of the colony of Georgia, Gen. James Oglethorpe, served as the first Georgia Guardsman. He embodied the legend of the minuteman, a tradition carried forward by the Georgia Army National Guard. In May 1941, the first distinct aviation unit was created at Candler Field in Atlanta-the 128th Observation Squadron. In September 1947, a federal act officially created the Air National Guard. Its Georgia units in Marietta, Savannah, Warner Robins, and other locations have played a role in major conflicts around the world as well as post 9-11 assignments and security for the 1996 Olympics. Clint Smith, a retired member of the Georgia Air National Guard, served as state headquarters at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia. He had many responsibilities, including command historian.

A board member of the Historical Society of the Georgia National Guard, Smith served eight years in the Georgia Legislature, where he led on military and security issues. The author of two novels, Smith has published columns on public policy and history. The images used are courtesy of the Georgia National Guard history office, the Historical Society of the Georgia National Guard, and the author. The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.