Azalea Business Consultant Erica Miller, right, presents Turner Williams, the president and CEO of QUOLA — Quality of Life Association, with an award for National Veterans Small Business Week Friday afternoon. Williams accepted the award in honor of the organizations founder Dr. Amanda Brown.

VALDOSTA – Erica Miller with Azalea Business Consultant recently honored three Valdosta veterans for their service in the military and as business owners within the community.

Miller honored the individuals in accordance with the National Veterans Small Business Week spearheaded by the Small Business Administration. The national celebration week spans from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3.

She said it was worthwhile to honor the veterans and learn their story transitioning from active military servicemen to business owners. Through each individual’s recognition, Miller took time to give the owners tips and advice on how to further their businesses.

The three business owners were Anthony Tucker and his wife Petra with Sunshine Natural Juices, Andrew McRae of Andy’s Wings and Things, and Turner Williams with Quality of Life Associates (QUOLA).

The Tuckers were recognized Thursday afternoon. The couple both went through years of trial and error before establishing their location at 1310 E. Hill Ave. Suite C in late January of 2023. Anthony, 57, served in the United States Army for nine years and fought in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He graduated with a business degree following his service.

Anthony married Petra, 52, in 2017 and began to pursue a juice business prior to the pandemic’s spike.

Tucker always had a mindset and vision for business. He said receiving recognition as a veteran for their work was great and showed the community’s support.

Sunshine Natural Juices has not held an official grand opening ceremony due to the effects of Hurricane Idalia. They serve juices, smoothies and bowls with a variety of flavors and fruit options. The Tuckers hope to expand their services throughout the county soon.

Andy’s Wings and Things has been a staple within the Valdosta community for decades. Andrew McRae, 75, is the owner of the restaurant and is a Vietnam War veteran. He opened his business on the Southside of Valdosta in 1993. He navigated through several hardships like being robbed and shot in the eye in 2000 at his first location, which was later demolished. He continues to operate at 2525 N. Ashley St. in Suite W with his son, Caytlaun McRae.

When asked how getting recognized made him feel Andrew McRae said, “It’s a good feeling. I’m very happy and proud to get this recognition because everyone doesn’t get it. It makes me feel special to be supported like this. I appreciate the support and all the efforts Erica does.”

One major effort Miller assisted the McRae’s was finding their most current location after their second location on MLK Jr. Drive burned down due to arson. The McRae’s were appreciative of her assistance and celebrated their grand opening at the new location in 2021.

Caytlaun McRae has been working alongside his father before he could see over the order counter, which inspired him to obtain a culinary arts degree. He values the qualities of hard work and good customer service that his father has instilled in him.

Their menu features all things soul food, wings and even vegetarian options. They consistently run specials with different dishes like pasta salad and upcoming Thanksgiving delight meals for the holiday.

Miller lastly recognized Turner Williams at QUOLA – Quality of Life Association – on Friday afternoon at 115 E. Florida Ave.

Williams entered the military in 1963 and completed a tour in Germany and Vietnam. He initially wanted to pursue the military as a career however, when the Vietnam War conflict began he chose otherwise. He was discharged in 1966 and worked at Norfolk Southern for 37 years. Williams is married to wife Azerlene.

After his retirement in 2003, he briefly operated a business called Speakeasy Lounge in Downtown Valdosta. Once it closed, Williams began working with the community’s youth with his former high school teacher Dr. Amanda Brown, who started the non-profit organization QUOLA in 1996.

The organization managed several programs that catered to the local youth such as tutoring, after-school, entrepreneurial, trade and gardening.

Miller explained that the organization is located in a historic building that’s been in Downtown Valdosta for over 100 years and was once the Liberty Theater.

Williams said his main goal is attempting to keep the building from potential demolition and the organization afloat.

He accepted the award in honor of Brown and said, “I wouldn’t have been the soldier that I was because she taught me in high school. She taught me the importance of education and work ethic. It gave me great honor to come back and help with her program. I wouldn’t have been doing this if it wasn’t for her.”

Miller and the three recipients asked for more community support and participation for local businesses and organizations.

All three businesses can be found on Facebook.