(a) If the recipient of a scholarship under this subpart fails to honor his obligation to serve in the Army National Guard or the United States Army as provided in paragraph (6) of subsection (b) of Code Section 20-3-421, such recipient shall, at the option of the recipient, either:

(1) Serve not less than four years as an enlisted member of the Army National Guard or United States Army; or

(2) Pay to the authority an amount equal to the amount of scholarship assistance received by the recipient under this subpart, plus interest, such amount to be paid, in accordance with regulations of the authority, within five years after the recipient graduates from or terminates his enrollment in North Georgia College.

(b) Subsection (a) of this Code section shall not apply to any person who, for bona fide reasons of health as jointly verified by the authority and the selection committee, is unable to honor the obligation provided for in paragraph (6) of subsection (b) of Code Section 20-3-421.