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In the news this week
November 12, 2009 by Nicki Faulk
There were two great pieces published by the North Jefferson News this week covering the Veterans Day events in the area:
In a moving tribute on Monday, Mortimer Jordan High School’s career tech and FBLA programs sponsored a Veterans Day ceremony at the school. Several area veterans attended the event from all branches of the military.
On Monday, Corner High School hosted a Veterans Day ceremony. North Jefferson Middle School had a Veterans Day program on Tuesday.
Veterans were not forgotten Wednesday in north Jefferson County. American Legion Post 255 and VFW Post 10250 hosted the 15th annual Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday at the North Jefferson Veterans Memorial Park in Fultondale.
Riders flocked to Legion’s Poker Run
September 16, 2009 by Nicki Faulk
Printed in this week’s North Jefferson News:
What sounded and felt like a small earthquake in Fultondale on Saturday was simply a group of men and women wanting to help others.
More than 200 motorcycles roared in to American Legion Post 255 in Fultondale to take part in the American Legion Riders 9/11 Poker Run.
This is the fifth year that American Legion District 21 has hosted the ride. Each of the six posts in the district takes turns heading up the event.
“This is in remembrance of the fallen police officers and firefighters on 9/11,” said Ron Slay, vice-commander of post 255 and commander of American Legion Riders of Post 255.
Proceeds of the ride benefit the Fultondale Police and Fire Departments.
On hand to receive plaques and recognition from Post 255 Commander Bill Steber and other officials were Fultondale Assistant Fire Chief Larry Adams and Gardendale Police Chief Mike Walker, along with other members of both departments.
Also on hand at the post Saturday were representatives from the Breast Cancer Foundation and representatives of Kendall Thomas, both of whom were taking up donations.
On Sunday, Walker attended a District 21 meeting at Post 255, where he received a $1,000 check for the Kendall Thomas foundation.
Kendall Thomas, a former softball player at Gardendale High School, has been diagnosed with leukemia.
“That’s what the Legion is, helping the community and helping people in need,” said Slay.
The riders stopped at the American Legion posts in Fairfield, Tarrant and Leeds, giving plaques to the police and fire chiefs there.
The group also picked up extra riders at every post before ending the ride at the Birmingham Race Course.
Slay thanks the dozens of sponsors, who donated more than $2,000 in cash and items for door prizes.
VFW invites members and prospects to picnic this weekend
September 10, 2009 by Nicki Faulk
Courtesy of this week’s North Jefferson News:
A veterans group in Fultondale is working hard to recruit new members. Recruitment is one of the main purposes of a picnic that North Jefferson VFW Post 10250 is hosting on Sept. 12 at Black Creek in Fultondale. The picnic, scheduled at noon, is free and is open to all VFW members and their families, as well as to those eligible to join.
To join the VFW, a veteran must have served in the U.S. military overseas during a war. Active duty, Reservists and National Guard members are all eligible, whether or not they are still in the military. Those no longer in the military must have an honorable discharge. The membership fee to join the North Jefferson VFW is $25 a year.
Post 10250 Commander Robert Mattox said that only about 10 percent of the post’s roughly 128 members participate in VFW activities, such as attending the monthly meetings in Fultondale and volunteering for committees and programs. Mattox, a World War II veteran, wants to see the younger generation of male and female veterans get involved in the local VFW.
One Iraq War veteran has not only joined the VFW, but has stepped up to serve as an officer. Michael Thorin, a member of the Fultondale and Hoover fire departments, is also VFW Post 10250’s new quartermaster. Thorin took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom from June 2005 to September 2006 as part of the 31st FSB. He was a cavalry scout and a medic, and served as gun truck commander and later as acting platoon sergeant. Thorin’s missions took him to areas such as Baghdad, Fallujah, Mosul, Tikrit and other areas where U.S. and coalition troops were operating.
“I decided to become a part of the VFW because I love my country,” Thorin said. “Now that I am out of the military I have a desire to be a part of an organization that holds dear the values which myself and so many others have fought for.”
Other veterans are invited to the VFW picnic on Sept. 12. The event will feature free barbecue with the trimmings, live local music, and activities for children. VFW officers will be on hand to talk with those interested in joining and to answer questions.
To learn more, call Mattox at 205-841-2424.
Local Military News
October 3, 2008 by Nicki Faulk
Courtesy of The North Jefferson News Shopper:
Congratulations Christopher and Anthony!
Local Marine takes part in memorial ceremony
June 3, 2008 by Nicki Faulk
Courtesy of The North Jefferson News:
“The few, the proud, the Marines,” is a popular slogan that many would associate with the U.S. Marine Corps.
It’s part of that slogan that led 21-year-old Fultondale native Chaney Hubbert to enlist in the Marines three years ago.
“It was a real big pride thing,” Hubbert said. “They’re supposed to be the best.”
Hubbert, a Fultondale High School graduate and daughter of Fultondale City Councilman Darrell Hubbert, is stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. She will be deployed this summer to a to-be-determined location.
On Monday, Hubbert took part in a Memorial Day ceremony at the American Legion in Fultondale that paid tribute to both fallen heroes and those currently serving in the armed forces. She said she was proud and honored to have been a part of the ceremony.
“It was an honor to be recognized,” she said. “Being on a base, Marines are a dime a dozen, so you don’t feel appreciated until you come home.”
She doesn’t get to come home from the base too often, and she said her time in Fultondale was the first leave she had taken in nearly a year. When she is at home, she said she enjoys spending time with her family, which also includes her mom, Tammy Hubbert, and sisters Shea Anderson and Katie Hubbert.
Hubbert has not been to Iraq or Afghanistan, but said she is up to the task should she be asked to go. Her previous missions have included providing medical and humanitarian assistance, working with the countries of Jordan and Qatar.
Other countries she’s visited include France, Italy, Dubai, Bahrain, Spain and Turkey. Of those, she said Turkey was the most memorable. “It’s definitely a tourist spot,” she said.
Darrell Hubbert said he is very proud of his daughter’s decision to join the Marines, but admitted he was a little apprehensive at first.
“I thought she had been swayed or wooed by some good-looking Marine at the high school,” he said. “I actually invited him to my house and didn’t like what he had to say, so I invited his boss to the house.”
He said his concerns focused on how the males and females were separated at boot camp and that they were open and honest with where she would be stationed and traveling to.
“That was the father in me coming out,” he said.
After meeting with the second staff sergeant, his concerns were eased and he gave his blessings for his daughter to enlist.
Darrell Hubbert said he doesn’t worry too much about his daughter’s safety during a time of war. He said there is a fine line between worry and knowing what his daughter is prepared to do and what she has to do.
“She’s an expert with an M-16, so that does give me some comfort in knowing that she can handle herself over there,” he said.
He praised his daughter’s courage and also praised the Fultondale American Legion for making her feel welcome and appreciated during her visits home.
Chaney Hubbert said she hasn’t decided if she wants to make the Marines a full-time career and said she can’t imagine doing anything else.
She encourages any high school junior or senior to consider the Marines, but said they should go into it whole-heartedly.
“They need to be sure, because there is no getting out,” she said. “You need to have your mind made up before you go.”
Congratulations, Chaney!!!
Local Armed Forces Spotlight
May 22, 2008 by Nicki Faulk
Courtesy of The North Jefferson News Shopper:
Gardendale native completes basic training
Air Force Airman Jarrod A Burns has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During training, Burns studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship and field training exercises.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through Community College of the Air Force.
Burns is a 2007 graduate of Gardendale High School.
Fultondale native completes infantry training
Army Pvt. Johnathan Clevenger has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.
During the nine weeks of training, Clevenger received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions.
Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
Clevenger graduated from Fultondale High School in 2005.
Lawley named 2007 First Sergeant of the year
Air Force Master Sgt. Joe B. Lawley was named 2007 First Sergeant of the Year for th 71st Fighter Wing in March.
Selection was based on the individual’s exemplary duty performance, job knowledge, leadership qualities, significant self-improvement, specific achievements, notable accomplishments, and community service and support.
Lawley, a first sergeant with 24 years of military service, is assigned to the Vance Air Force Base, Enid, Okla.
Lawley is a 1982 graduate of Gardendale High School.
Great work, fellas!
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