WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Kiara Yates is a mother first and an Army Reserve soldier second.

Each month, she travels from her home in Warner Robins to Mississippi to complete required military training. Despite her commitment, Yates says her daughter’s school marks her absences as unexcused, even though her daughter stays with her legal guardian during these times.

“Where is the support for us when it comes to our dependents?” Yates asked.

Under Georgia law, only five days of school absence per year are excused when a parent is deployed to or returning from a combat zone. However, the law does not cover monthly trainings or other required military duties, such as those Yates must complete.

Serving part-time, she must attend these trainings to keep her military job and benefits. Missing the

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