Sonny was born on December 20, 1946, in Perry, Georgia, to a lifelong farmer, and a classroom teacher. Perdue attended Warner Robins High School and earned a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1971 from the University of Georgia. Prior to being admitted to veterinary school, he played football at the UGA as a walk on. While still in school he volunteered to serve his country in the United States Air Force where he honed his flying skills, by earning instrument, flight instructor, and multi-engine ratings. A licensed pilot for more than thirty years, Sonny has enjoyed traveling the state in his single-engine Bellanca Super Viking. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1974 with the rank of Captain and a brief tenure as a practicing veterinarian in Raleigh, North Carolina, Perdue returned to his native Georgia and became a successful small-business owner. He started two businesses from the ground up, concentrating in agribusiness and transportation. Today, those businesses have grown to include several locations across the Southeast.
Sonny Perdue was sworn in as Georgia's 81st Governor on January 13, 2003. Before his run for Governor, Perdue proudly served his local community, as well as Middle Georgia, his state, and the nation in a variety of roles. He has been a businessman, community leader, Sunday School teacher, State Senator, Majority Leader and President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate, as well as an officer in the United States Air Force.




Sam Nunn represented Georgia for twenty-four years in the U.S. Senate (1972-96). His passion for foreign policy and military affairs led him to concentrate on global issues, particularly issues concerning the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the world.