We congratulate the Decatur County Board of Commissioners for making an excellent choice by appointing retired U.S. Air Force Col. Gary Breedlove to serve as the county’s interim administrator.

Breedlove is certainly well-known in our county. In addition to his 25 years of military experience, he also has 20 years of experience in the field of education. From 1993 to 2010, he served as the leader of the Bainbridge High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC program, helping to mold countless individuals into future leaders and scholars. Since his retirement, he has continued to participate with the “Young Eagles” flight orientation programs at the Decatur County Airport, helping more than 700 students.

While Breedlove may not have experience in non-military government, he is more than qualified for the job. While in the military, he served as a Remote Station Commander, responsible for all station functions.

He will no doubt bring a no-nonsense military style to the county’s governmental functions, and will provide necessary leadership in this time of transition. Selecting Breedlove will now allow the county to begin a search for the permanent county administrator, without feeling a need to hurry that process.