WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — There's no doubt Warner Robins brims with spirit, but the city goes a step further. They've coined a phrase to show their support to troops on the base and around the country.
"I got to be honest when we moved here 14 years ago, and I saw all the shrubs up on Watson, I was like, 'EDIMGIAFAD? What does that even mean?'" said Chesanne Thompson.
"And then a friend of mine said, 'Every Day in Middle Georgia is Armed Forces Appreciation Day,' and I said, 'Oh, yeah, because of the base right,' and she was like, 'Not just because of the base, but because of everybody who serves in the military,'" Thompson said.
All over town, you'll see the acronym. In 2015, the county commission put it front and center on the patriotic water tower, but this dates back a lot further -- all the way to 1968.
"Wherever they go in the USA they would see this acronym, and we would be sincere for our thanks for their service," said Doctor Dan Callahan, who came up with the slogan.
It began as 'Every Day in Middle Georgia is Armed Forces Appreciation Day,' and then it evolved to say 'Every Day in the USA is Armed Forces Appreciated Day.'
When Doctor Callahan passed in 2016, his words lived on, and in 2005 the Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce began handing out the Community Leadership Award in remembrance of him.
"He bequeathed the copyrights to 'Every Day in the USA is Armed Forces Appreciation Day' to Happy Hour. It allows us to have ownership of the logo and the acronym, and to use it on products we chose to sell as merchandise to sell and raise funds," said Associate Director for Happy Hour Mike Brashear.
Happy Hour is a nickname for the Houston County Association for the Exceptional Citizens, a charity where Doctor Callahan was heavily involved.
McCalls Sandwich Shop has been in business for 30 years and this sits on the side of their building. Owner Ken McCall says the mural and the words welcome airmen to town.
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"It's heartwarming to me to see people come and have their picture made in front of it," said McCall.
It's a string of words, a mere phrase that speaks volumes to those in uniform.
"I grew up as a military brat and lived in nine different states, and Warner Robins tops them all for military support," said Lieutenant Colonel Tasha Folds.