We are part of a community effort to rouse opposition against a re-zoning request, which, if granted, would allow establishment of a “Security Training Center” on over 1700 acres in North Marion County, GA (near Columbus/Fort Benning, GA).

The company name we’ve been presented with, based on the literature available, is either Graal Group, LLC, or Shadow Strategies, LLC…with the individual involved as Guy Irvin in either case.

The first public hearing on this was announced in our local weekly newspaper, with no reference to the type of business, or even the specific part of the county that the Map Parcel referenced was in.  Basically, the public hearing notice indicated:

            Re-zone Map Parcel 33 from Agricultural to Commercial

            Requested by Guy Irvin, Graal Group, LLC

That meeting was this past Monday, June 16.   Neighbors who did attend came away with the impression that the county officials involved looked on this as a “done deal”.  We have, since Tuesday, been actively canvassing the area collecting signatures on petitions, and making sure everyone we can reach knows the scope of the “commercial industry” proposed.

Can you provide any additional information on:

            Graal Group, LLC

            Shadow Strategies, LLC

            Mr. Guy Irvin

There were only 2 internet hits on Graal Group, LLC, one for the notice in our local paper, one for a resume…which appears to be for Mr. Irvin.

Hits on Guy Irvin indicated his involvement in Shadow Strategies, LLC, and past history with other companies involved in the “security industry”.

Checking some of the companies found under Mr. Irvin, it’s obvious this is a “blackwater like” operation.  We finally obtained information from our county re-zoning commissioner which supports that observation.

Please advise any insights or information you have that will help us battle this industry landing “in our backyard”.  The final public hearing is scheduled for July 8.

Terry & Gloria Herrington

498 Red Oak Dr.

Box Springs, GA

<font face="Arial" size="2"><font color="#0000ff">gherrington1@alltel.net</font></font>

229 649-4626