Family mourns death of woman, 24, killed by stray bullet in Gate City while holding her infant son
By Jon Reed
April 29, 2013
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Children were back to playing games and riding bikes at the Gate City housing complex Monday evening, but the loved ones of Sheri Williams were still in mourning.
One child strode up to Kerry Jackson, Williams's uncle, and hugged him. "Where's Sheri?" she asked.
"Sheri's not coming back," he said.
Williams, 24, was killed before 1 p.m. Monday when a bullet intended for somebody else hit her in the chest as she stood in the door of her apartment on 64th Court Way South, according to Birmingham police. Her 10-day-old son was in her arms, but was not hurt.
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Showing posts with label Alabama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alabama. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Car dealer charged with mistreating Alabama National Guardsman
Car dealer charged with mistreating guardsman
By The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Mar 29, 2013
Carl Ralph Nuss, 74, of Cullman was indicted on two counts of violating a federal law that mandates breaks for service members who are called to active duty, federal prosecutors said in a statement Thursday.
Nuss, who owns North Alabama Wholesale Autos, denied doing anything wrong and claimed the guardsman’s family was trying to get out of paying for a vehicle.
Authorities said a 22-year-old service member bought a Ford Sport-Trac from Nuss in 2011 and was later called to active duty in Afghanistan. The guardsman requested a reduction in his 25 percent annual interest charge to 6 percent, as required by the law, but Nuss refused, said the statement from prosecutors.
Prosecutors said the dealer then hired two men who repossessed the $9,700 vehicle.
read more here
By The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Mar 29, 2013
“Just because this boy joined the National Guard is no reason for him not to pay me,” Nuss said.BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A north Alabama car dealer was indicted on federal charges of refusing to lower the interest rate in a vehicle deal with a National Guard member who was sent to war.
Carl Ralph Nuss, 74, of Cullman was indicted on two counts of violating a federal law that mandates breaks for service members who are called to active duty, federal prosecutors said in a statement Thursday.
Nuss, who owns North Alabama Wholesale Autos, denied doing anything wrong and claimed the guardsman’s family was trying to get out of paying for a vehicle.
Authorities said a 22-year-old service member bought a Ford Sport-Trac from Nuss in 2011 and was later called to active duty in Afghanistan. The guardsman requested a reduction in his 25 percent annual interest charge to 6 percent, as required by the law, but Nuss refused, said the statement from prosecutors.
Prosecutors said the dealer then hired two men who repossessed the $9,700 vehicle.
read more here
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Patriot Guard Riders take stand for soldier told to remove flag
Condo association tells soldier to take down American flag
WTVR.com
by Nick Dutton
February 26, 2013
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — A request to remove an American flag at an Alabama condo complex has caused an online uproar and sparred a Facebook sharing frenzy.
WHNT reports that a soldier and his wife, who live at the Stepping Stone Condominiums in Huntsville, received a note Monday stating that they had to remove their flag.
The note said the American flag violated the the condo homeowners association’s bylaws — and urged the couple to remove the flag as soon as possible to keep the community tidy.
WHNT reports that after word spread about the letter, the Patriot Guard showed up and was standing guard with American flags near the couple’s condo.
go here for more
WTVR.com
by Nick Dutton
February 26, 2013
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — A request to remove an American flag at an Alabama condo complex has caused an online uproar and sparred a Facebook sharing frenzy.
WHNT reports that a soldier and his wife, who live at the Stepping Stone Condominiums in Huntsville, received a note Monday stating that they had to remove their flag.
The note said the American flag violated the the condo homeowners association’s bylaws — and urged the couple to remove the flag as soon as possible to keep the community tidy.
WHNT reports that after word spread about the letter, the Patriot Guard showed up and was standing guard with American flags near the couple’s condo.
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Monday, February 4, 2013
Alabama kidnapper dead and child rescued
Officials: Hostage standoff ends with child rescued, kidnapper dead
By Victor Blackwell, Martin Savidge and Carol Cratty
CNN
updated 5:54 PM EST, Mon February 4, 2013
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
NEW: FBI says child was rescued after negotiators felt he was in danger
Boy has been taken to a hospital in Dothan, state legislator said
Witness said he heard explosion followed by gunshots
Midland City, Alabama (CNN) -- A 5-year-old child abducted from a school bus six days ago is safe and his kidnapper is dead, ending a nearly week-long ordeal for a little boy, his family and a small Alabama town.
The child appeared to be OK when he was freed, law enforcement officials said. Alabama state Rep. Steve Clouse told CNN that the boy was taken to a hospital in nearby Dothan.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Steve Richardson at the scene said negotiations had broken down with the child's abductor and the kidnapper was "observed holding a gun."
Believing the child to be in imminent danger, an FBI team entered the bunker at 3:12 p.m. CT (4:12 p.m. ET) and rescued the boy, Richardson said, adding that the hostage-taker is dead.
One neighbor said he was outside when he was startled by the sound of an explosion.
"I heard a big boom and then ... I believe I heard rifle shots," said Bryon Martin, who owns a home near the bunker where the boy had been held since Tuesday.
read more here
By Victor Blackwell, Martin Savidge and Carol Cratty
CNN
updated 5:54 PM EST, Mon February 4, 2013
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
NEW: FBI says child was rescued after negotiators felt he was in danger
Boy has been taken to a hospital in Dothan, state legislator said
Witness said he heard explosion followed by gunshots
Midland City, Alabama (CNN) -- A 5-year-old child abducted from a school bus six days ago is safe and his kidnapper is dead, ending a nearly week-long ordeal for a little boy, his family and a small Alabama town.
The child appeared to be OK when he was freed, law enforcement officials said. Alabama state Rep. Steve Clouse told CNN that the boy was taken to a hospital in nearby Dothan.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Steve Richardson at the scene said negotiations had broken down with the child's abductor and the kidnapper was "observed holding a gun."
Believing the child to be in imminent danger, an FBI team entered the bunker at 3:12 p.m. CT (4:12 p.m. ET) and rescued the boy, Richardson said, adding that the hostage-taker is dead.
One neighbor said he was outside when he was startled by the sound of an explosion.
"I heard a big boom and then ... I believe I heard rifle shots," said Bryon Martin, who owns a home near the bunker where the boy had been held since Tuesday.
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Friday, February 1, 2013
Standoff continues as man holds boy in underground bunker
Standoff enters third day as man holds boy in underground bunker
WTVR
January 31, 2013
by Nick Dutton
MIDLAND CITY, Alabama (CNN) — Somewhere underneath this red Alabama dirt is a little boy. A kindergartner, snatched from the safety of his school bus by a gunman and stashed in an underground bunker;
A boy who needs daily medication;
A child that this Bible Belt community of 2,300 is praying for.
Many details have been released about the boy’s abductor:
How he was supposed to have been in court to face charges that he’d shot at his neighbors over a minor property dispute;
How he boarded a stopped school bus Tuesday and allegedly shot dead the bus driver;
How he worked on the bunker in the middle of the night for more than a year.
But as the sun rose again on Midland City on Thursday, many more questions remain:
How deep is the bunker?
What’s in it beside the man and the boy?
How are they keeping warm when temperatures have dipped into the 30s in the area?
Is the boy safe?
And most importantly, why him?
WTVR
January 31, 2013
by Nick Dutton
MIDLAND CITY, Alabama (CNN) — Somewhere underneath this red Alabama dirt is a little boy. A kindergartner, snatched from the safety of his school bus by a gunman and stashed in an underground bunker;
A boy who needs daily medication;
A child that this Bible Belt community of 2,300 is praying for.
Many details have been released about the boy’s abductor:
How he was supposed to have been in court to face charges that he’d shot at his neighbors over a minor property dispute;
How he boarded a stopped school bus Tuesday and allegedly shot dead the bus driver;
How he worked on the bunker in the middle of the night for more than a year.
But as the sun rose again on Midland City on Thursday, many more questions remain:
How deep is the bunker?
What’s in it beside the man and the boy?
How are they keeping warm when temperatures have dipped into the 30s in the area?
Is the boy safe?
And most importantly, why him?
The suspect
Authorities have not released the name of the suspected gunman. But neighbors and news outlets around Midland City identified him as 65-year-old (name removed), a Vietnam veteran and a retired truck driver.
Neighbor Jimmy Davis told CNN that (suspect) began digging a hole on his property soon after he moved in down the road from him.
Davis, who works a night shift, said (suspect) worked on his bunker in the middle of the night — every other night, between 2 and 3 a.m., for a year and a half.
He was friendly and welcoming and told Davis the hole would be a storm shelter.
But Tim Byrd, chief investigator with the Dale County Sheriff’s Office, told the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Hatewatch that (suspect) had “anti-America” views.
“His friends and his neighbors stated that he did not trust the government, that he was a Vietnam vet, and that he had PTSD,” Byrd told the civil rights group. “He was standoffish, didn’t socialize or have any contact with anybody. He was a survivalist type.”
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Saturday, January 5, 2013
Fort Carson 1st LT faces 100 years in prison
Alabama police release new details on Fort Carson soldier arrest
Emily Allen
General Assignment Reporter
Jan 03, 2013
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.
Alabama police released new details on Thursday behind the charges on an arrest warrant for a Fort Carson soldier.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office arrested 1st Lt. Aaron G. Lucas on Thursday on an arrest warrant from Madison, Ala., with charges of enticing a child and sexual child abuse of a child less than 12 years of age.
Emily Allen
General Assignment Reporter
Jan 03, 2013
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.
Alabama police released new details on Thursday behind the charges on an arrest warrant for a Fort Carson soldier.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office arrested 1st Lt. Aaron G. Lucas on Thursday on an arrest warrant from Madison, Ala., with charges of enticing a child and sexual child abuse of a child less than 12 years of age.
There are still a lot of unfinished cases involving Lucas. He faces 23 charges of sex crimes against young girls in El Paso County. He was arrested on Oct. 23, 2012, in connection with an El Paso County kidnapping case, a separate enticement of a child case and his connection to similar cases from other area jurisdictions.
He is accused of crimes in 14 incidents dating back to 2010. The charges he faces could put him in prison for more than 100 years. He was free on a $730,000 bond when the latest warrant was issued.
Lucas is an Afghanistan veteran who was awarded the Bronze Star.
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Sunday, November 25, 2012
Deputies had no warning man had history of mental health crisis
Baldwin sheriff: Deputies had no warning before man with mental health history started shooting
AL.com
By Brendan Kirby
November 24, 2012
The Friday evening shooting in this community east of Fairhope resulted in the deaths of both Ward and Michael J. Jansen, and left a second deputy critically wounded.
“A number of gunshots were fired by Mr. Jansen and the deputies. Both deputies were shot numerous times. I don’t have the number of gunshots,” Mack said. “We’re still working the scene even today.”
Mack said autopsies had been performed on both Ward and Jansen, but he added that he has not seen the report.
Ward, 47, was a 15-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office and previously served as a Prichard police officer. He also was a Coast Guard Reserve officer who had served in Afghanistan.
Citing an ongoing internal affairs investigation, Mack would not release the names of the other deputies involved. He said the wounded deputy is a sergeant who was the shift supervisor. The sheriff said that the third deputy, who was not hurt, has been with the Sheriff’s Office for about a year.
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Baldwin County Deputy Killed Served In Afghanistan
By Brendan Kirby
November 24, 2012
Baldwin County Deputy Scott Ward, left, died on Friday, Nov. 23, 2012, during a violent confrontation with Michael J. Jansen, right, according to law enforcement officialsMARLOW, Alabama – Deputy Scott Ward and two other law enforcement officials had no warning before a man with a history of mental health problems started firing shots from a 9mm handgun, Baldwin County Sheriff Huey “Hoss” Mack said today.
The Friday evening shooting in this community east of Fairhope resulted in the deaths of both Ward and Michael J. Jansen, and left a second deputy critically wounded.
“A number of gunshots were fired by Mr. Jansen and the deputies. Both deputies were shot numerous times. I don’t have the number of gunshots,” Mack said. “We’re still working the scene even today.”
Mack said autopsies had been performed on both Ward and Jansen, but he added that he has not seen the report.
Ward, 47, was a 15-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office and previously served as a Prichard police officer. He also was a Coast Guard Reserve officer who had served in Afghanistan.
Citing an ongoing internal affairs investigation, Mack would not release the names of the other deputies involved. He said the wounded deputy is a sergeant who was the shift supervisor. The sheriff said that the third deputy, who was not hurt, has been with the Sheriff’s Office for about a year.
read more here
Baldwin County Deputy Killed Served In Afghanistan
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Thieves steal from housebound Vietnam Veteran on Veteran's Day
Disabled Vietnam Veteran Confined To House, Thieves Steal Only Transportation
WHNT News
November 14, 2012
by Melissa Payne
TUSCUMBIA, Ala. (WHNT) – A disabled Shoals man has no way to get around his home after thieves stole his only transportation.
Doug Gilliam says living along the Tennessee River is his dream, but with the beauty, comes steep banks. Gilliam’s health is declining and it’s a challenge to get around. So Gilliam used a Q-Link Frontrunner 500 to navigate his own yard.
“He can’t walk up this hill, his legs won’t let him and his lungs won’t let him either,” said the victim’s wife, Cheronda Gilliam.
Thieves stole the silver Frontrunner and a hauling trailer right off Gilliam’s property, on Sunday, November 11th, 2012 — Veteran’s Day.
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WHNT News
November 14, 2012
by Melissa Payne
TUSCUMBIA, Ala. (WHNT) – A disabled Shoals man has no way to get around his home after thieves stole his only transportation.
Doug Gilliam says living along the Tennessee River is his dream, but with the beauty, comes steep banks. Gilliam’s health is declining and it’s a challenge to get around. So Gilliam used a Q-Link Frontrunner 500 to navigate his own yard.
“He can’t walk up this hill, his legs won’t let him and his lungs won’t let him either,” said the victim’s wife, Cheronda Gilliam.
Thieves stole the silver Frontrunner and a hauling trailer right off Gilliam’s property, on Sunday, November 11th, 2012 — Veteran’s Day.
read more here
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Mobile soldier's wife adjusts to 'new normal' of PTSD
Mobile soldier's wife adjusts to 'new normal'
JON SOLOMON, al.com
November 14, 2012
MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — If Karen Valentin absolutely must go to Wal-Mart, she plans accordingly. The trip needs to occur during a time with small crowds. Her 53-year-old husband Jon often sits against a wall to see the doors.
It is, as Karen puts it, their "new normal." This existence in Mobile began when Jon returned as a National Guardsman from Iraq in 2005, and it's not going away. Jon suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from a roadside bomb that threw him against a concrete wall, Karen said.
Karen is Jon's constant caregiver. He no longer drives, will never work again, can't handle finances, and doesn't do car rides or crowds well.
When Jon's TBI causes memory loss, his PTSD often kicks into high gear. It's a cruel cycle.
"He doesn't mean to, but a lot of times if he gets upset or aggravated because he's in a situation that makes him uncomfortable, I catch the brunt of it," Karen said. "He'll usually fuss and holler at me. It's just the stress of it all. Unless you live with someone who has traumatic brain injury, it's difficult to understand the impact of it."
Life for returning veterans can affect Alabama communities in ways many people may not notice. The Mobile/Pensacola area, where Karen lives, has produced one of the country's largest deployments of reserves and National Guardsmen.
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JON SOLOMON, al.com
November 14, 2012
MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — If Karen Valentin absolutely must go to Wal-Mart, she plans accordingly. The trip needs to occur during a time with small crowds. Her 53-year-old husband Jon often sits against a wall to see the doors.
It is, as Karen puts it, their "new normal." This existence in Mobile began when Jon returned as a National Guardsman from Iraq in 2005, and it's not going away. Jon suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from a roadside bomb that threw him against a concrete wall, Karen said.
Karen is Jon's constant caregiver. He no longer drives, will never work again, can't handle finances, and doesn't do car rides or crowds well.
When Jon's TBI causes memory loss, his PTSD often kicks into high gear. It's a cruel cycle.
"He doesn't mean to, but a lot of times if he gets upset or aggravated because he's in a situation that makes him uncomfortable, I catch the brunt of it," Karen said. "He'll usually fuss and holler at me. It's just the stress of it all. Unless you live with someone who has traumatic brain injury, it's difficult to understand the impact of it."
Life for returning veterans can affect Alabama communities in ways many people may not notice. The Mobile/Pensacola area, where Karen lives, has produced one of the country's largest deployments of reserves and National Guardsmen.
read more here
Friday, November 9, 2012
Marine wounded in Green on Blue attack home from Afghanistan
Huntsville Marine wounded in Afghanistan arrives home
By Paul Gattis
November 09, 2012
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- A Huntsville Marine wounded in Afghanistan arrived home to a hero's welcome this morning at Huntsville International Airport.
Lance Corporal Kendall Bane, 19, was wounded in Afghanistan Sept. 20. Bane was to arrive at Huntsville International Airport Thursday at 6 but missed his flight, so the homecoming had to wait until 9 a.m. today.
Bane said he was "overwhelmed" by the attention.
Bane, a 2011 graduate of Westminster Christian Academy in Huntsville, was wounded in an attack near Camp Hansen in the Helmand Province. Bane was shot by a group of fighters posing as Afghan allies in what's known as a "green on blue" attack.
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By Paul Gattis
November 09, 2012
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- A Huntsville Marine wounded in Afghanistan arrived home to a hero's welcome this morning at Huntsville International Airport.
WHNT/Bane Family
Lance Corporal Kendall Bane, 19, was wounded in Afghanistan Sept. 20. Bane was to arrive at Huntsville International Airport Thursday at 6 but missed his flight, so the homecoming had to wait until 9 a.m. today.
Bane said he was "overwhelmed" by the attention.
Bane, a 2011 graduate of Westminster Christian Academy in Huntsville, was wounded in an attack near Camp Hansen in the Helmand Province. Bane was shot by a group of fighters posing as Afghan allies in what's known as a "green on blue" attack.
read more here
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Missing Vietnam veteran with PTSD found safe
Missing Odenville man found at Birmingham Restaurant
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
WIAT
While preparing to shoot an interview with Trevae Polk, the caregiver of 64-year-old Chappell Bailey, her phone rang.
Mr. Bailey had been missing for more than 6 hours. St.Clair County sheriff’s deputies were searching diligently for him.
Bailey is Vietnam Veteran and said to suffer with early on-set Dementia and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
read more here
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
WIAT
While preparing to shoot an interview with Trevae Polk, the caregiver of 64-year-old Chappell Bailey, her phone rang.
Mr. Bailey had been missing for more than 6 hours. St.Clair County sheriff’s deputies were searching diligently for him.
Bailey is Vietnam Veteran and said to suffer with early on-set Dementia and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
read more here
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Veterans Honored On 50th Anniversary Of Vietnam War
Veterans Honored On 50th Anniversary Of Vietnam War
September 28, 2012
by Daniela Perallon
WHNT News
One by one they read the names of the 1207 Alabamians killed in action and 16 who went missing in action during the Vietnam War.
The Vietnam Veterans Tribute marks the 50th anniversary of the United States entering into the Vietnam conflict.
“It’s a crucible. There’s pressure and problems and you’re stretched to your limit in a lot of ways,” said Vietnam Veteran James Henderson, who also led the ceremony’s invocation.
Mayor Tommy Battle, leaders from Redstone Arsenal, veterans and their family members all read off the names of the killed and missing in action veterans. After each name, they rang a bell, and lit a candle after each reading.
For many in attendance, the tribute was a long time coming.
read more here
September 28, 2012
by Daniela Perallon
WHNT News
One by one they read the names of the 1207 Alabamians killed in action and 16 who went missing in action during the Vietnam War.
The Vietnam Veterans Tribute marks the 50th anniversary of the United States entering into the Vietnam conflict.
“It’s a crucible. There’s pressure and problems and you’re stretched to your limit in a lot of ways,” said Vietnam Veteran James Henderson, who also led the ceremony’s invocation.
Mayor Tommy Battle, leaders from Redstone Arsenal, veterans and their family members all read off the names of the killed and missing in action veterans. After each name, they rang a bell, and lit a candle after each reading.
For many in attendance, the tribute was a long time coming.
read more here
Friday, September 14, 2012
Soldier surprises daughter at school
Soldier surprises daughter at Challenger Elementary
Posted: Sep 12, 2012
By Jamel Lanee
HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF)
Nalani Coates, 6 years old, thought it would be a normal day at school. Staff members at Challenger Elementary had a huge surprise in store for the kindergartner.
Her dad, David Coates, a U.S. Army service member came home a few days early to surprise her.
Nalani and her classmates are outside at the flag post calling for a soldier, but she doesn't realize it's her dad she's yelling for. When she realizes it's her father, she runs and gives him a huge hug.
Nalani hasn't seen him in over four months. She wasn't expecting to see him until Friday.
Her surprise left her in shock. The little girl is so stunned, she gives her mother a hug and then returns to sing a song with her class.
Coates said it's really tough to leave behind your family when you're in the service.
"It's really tough. It's one of those things that when you get to call home and you get to see how they're doing and it's like, 'Oh, we did this and we did that,' and you really wish you could be there," he said. "And I love serving my country, but the hardest part of any deployment of any kind of service of being away from home is being away from your children and your spouse."
read more here
Posted: Sep 12, 2012
By Jamel Lanee
HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF)
Her dad, David Coates, a U.S. Army service member came home a few days early to surprise her.
Nalani and her classmates are outside at the flag post calling for a soldier, but she doesn't realize it's her dad she's yelling for. When she realizes it's her father, she runs and gives him a huge hug.
Nalani hasn't seen him in over four months. She wasn't expecting to see him until Friday.
Her surprise left her in shock. The little girl is so stunned, she gives her mother a hug and then returns to sing a song with her class.
Coates said it's really tough to leave behind your family when you're in the service.
"It's really tough. It's one of those things that when you get to call home and you get to see how they're doing and it's like, 'Oh, we did this and we did that,' and you really wish you could be there," he said. "And I love serving my country, but the hardest part of any deployment of any kind of service of being away from home is being away from your children and your spouse."
read more here
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Alabama teen arrested for destroying Vietnam Monument
Teen arrested for vandalism
by Phil Johnson
July 25th, 2012
A Uriah teen was arrested for the July 17 destruction of a Vietnam veterans monument in Uriah. The monument was part of the memorial to all veterans who had served their country.
Dakota Bailey, age 18, surrendered to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office July 19. He has been charged with criminal mischief first degree, and is being held on a $100,000 bond in the Monroe County Correctional Facility.
The destruction to the monument was discovered early Wednesday morning by Albert Hollinger, the man who gave the land and headed up the drive to have it built. He was making his usual 6 a.m. trip to a local café for coffee, which took him right past the memorial park.
The park consists of a large central monument surrounded by individual monuments dedicated to the service people from the Uriah area who served in each war. When Hollinger passed by Tuesday morning, he saw that a granite sheet that contained the names of those who died in Vietnam had been pushed over and shattered.
“There are a lot of mad people in this community,” Hollinger said. “I don’t know why anyone would do this.”
read more here
by Phil Johnson
July 25th, 2012
A Uriah teen was arrested for the July 17 destruction of a Vietnam veterans monument in Uriah. The monument was part of the memorial to all veterans who had served their country.
Dakota Bailey, age 18, surrendered to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office July 19. He has been charged with criminal mischief first degree, and is being held on a $100,000 bond in the Monroe County Correctional Facility.
The destruction to the monument was discovered early Wednesday morning by Albert Hollinger, the man who gave the land and headed up the drive to have it built. He was making his usual 6 a.m. trip to a local café for coffee, which took him right past the memorial park.
The park consists of a large central monument surrounded by individual monuments dedicated to the service people from the Uriah area who served in each war. When Hollinger passed by Tuesday morning, he saw that a granite sheet that contained the names of those who died in Vietnam had been pushed over and shattered.
“There are a lot of mad people in this community,” Hollinger said. “I don’t know why anyone would do this.”
read more here
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Wounded Alabama soldier asked "Did I fight hard enough for you?"
"Did I fight hard enough for you?"
Last Update: 7/21
SARDIS, Ala. (WAAY) - "Did I fight hard enough for you?" These were the first words out of Private First Class Corey Garmon from his hospital bed in Maryland since a July 10 IED explosion in Kandahar left him fighting for his life.
This was not the only good news Saturday morning. Nearly 700 miles away, family, friends and hundreds of community members showed up for a roadblock fundraiser in his hometown of Sardis.
read more here
Last Update: 7/21
SARDIS, Ala. (WAAY) - "Did I fight hard enough for you?" These were the first words out of Private First Class Corey Garmon from his hospital bed in Maryland since a July 10 IED explosion in Kandahar left him fighting for his life.
This was not the only good news Saturday morning. Nearly 700 miles away, family, friends and hundreds of community members showed up for a roadblock fundraiser in his hometown of Sardis.
read more here
Saturday, June 30, 2012
President Obama visits Alabama soldier in hospital
President Obama visits AL soldier in hospital
Posted: June 29, 2012
WASHINGTON
President Barack Obama visited wounded Alabama soldier Josh Wetzel in the hospital where he's recovering from losing both legs in an explosion in Afghanistan.
President Obama stopped by to visit Wetzel and his wife, Paige, while making the rounds to meet wounded service members at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Family members said at one point, the president took Wetzel's hand and they prayed together. In one photograph from the visit, President Obama is shown shaking Wetzel's hand while his wife, Paige, looks on, smiling. Wetzel wore an Auburn shirt during his meeting with the president.
read more here
Posted: June 29, 2012
President Barack Obama visited SPC Josh Wetzel, a Glencoe native and Army paratrooper, at Walter Reed hospital on Thursday. Photo released by family.
WASHINGTON
President Barack Obama visited wounded Alabama soldier Josh Wetzel in the hospital where he's recovering from losing both legs in an explosion in Afghanistan.
President Obama stopped by to visit Wetzel and his wife, Paige, while making the rounds to meet wounded service members at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Family members said at one point, the president took Wetzel's hand and they prayed together. In one photograph from the visit, President Obama is shown shaking Wetzel's hand while his wife, Paige, looks on, smiling. Wetzel wore an Auburn shirt during his meeting with the president.
read more here
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Alabama closing Veterans Service Offices
Ala. veterans' services offices closing
Updated: Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Bob Johnson
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Seventeen veterans' service offices will close around the state, meaning ex-soldiers in some counties will have to travel to receive benefits or other assistance. The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs says it closed the offices because of severe funding cuts to agencies funded by the state General Fund budget.
Spokesman Robert Horton said Tuesday that no employees will lose jobs because manpower will be consolidated in the other offices. The purpose of the offices is to help eligible veterans apply for and receive claims, Horton said. He said if the outlook of the General Fund improves, some offices may reopen. Horton said the workload facing the veterans' offices is increasing because of so many soldiers retuning from Iraq and Afghanistan and the aging population of those who served in Vietnam, Korea and World War II.
The offices will be closed effective June 1. Republican State Rep. Duwayne Bridges of Valley is a U.S Marine veteran. One of the offices scheduled to close is in Lanett in Chambers County in his district. "I hope as the economy turns around we'll be able to reopen that office," Bridges said. read more here
Updated: Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Bob Johnson
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Seventeen veterans' service offices will close around the state, meaning ex-soldiers in some counties will have to travel to receive benefits or other assistance. The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs says it closed the offices because of severe funding cuts to agencies funded by the state General Fund budget.
Spokesman Robert Horton said Tuesday that no employees will lose jobs because manpower will be consolidated in the other offices. The purpose of the offices is to help eligible veterans apply for and receive claims, Horton said. He said if the outlook of the General Fund improves, some offices may reopen. Horton said the workload facing the veterans' offices is increasing because of so many soldiers retuning from Iraq and Afghanistan and the aging population of those who served in Vietnam, Korea and World War II.
The offices will be closed effective June 1. Republican State Rep. Duwayne Bridges of Valley is a U.S Marine veteran. One of the offices scheduled to close is in Lanett in Chambers County in his district. "I hope as the economy turns around we'll be able to reopen that office," Bridges said. read more here
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Alabama Chilton County VA officer position eliminated
County VA officer position eliminated
By Stephen Dawkins
Published 1:59pm Friday, March 23, 2012
Many former soldiers in Chilton County are upset and confused about the closing of the local Veterans Affairs office.
Jennifer Kamerer, who served as a full-time VA agent in the Chilton County Courthouse, told the county commission at its meeting on March 12 that her position had been eliminated.
“What we’re looking at is a major, major blow to our county,” Kamerer told the commission.
The office will be staffed one day a week, on Fridays, from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., by a service officer that travels from the Shelby County office in Columbiana. Or veterans can travel to VA offices in Autauga, Bibb, Dallas or Shelby counties.
Kamerer said the arrangement isn’t adequate to serve the county’s more than 3,000 veterans, an opinion seconded by Phil Burnette, commander of the 23rd District, American Legion Department of Alabama.
“I’m hearing a lot of anger from the veterans, myself included,” Burnette said. “A lot of our veterans are not able to travel. To be quite blunt, I think it’s a shame and a disgrace that we’re being left without representation in the county.”
read more here
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Thousands welcome twice-injured Marine back home
Thousands welcome twice-injured Marine back home
Jay Reeves
The Associated Press
JACKSONVILLE -- A Marine twice injured in Afghanistan received a hero's welcome Wednesday from thousands of well-wishers waving flags and cheering in his Alabama hometown.
Sgt. Ben Tomlinson grinned widely from the family's minivan as a motorcade led by a long line of police cars roared into the city square in Jacksonville for a brief ceremony that included the mayor's declaration of "Ben Tomlinson Day." The one-time all-county football player and track athlete was shot in the chest on patrol about eight months ago during his second deployment to the country.
Two fire trucks held aloft a big flag between ladders, and motorcycle riders stood at attention with more flags. Elementary school students lined the streets.
read more here
Injured Marine Sgt. Ben Tomlinson is greeted by members of an honor guard following a welcome home celebration Wednesday in his hometown of Jacksonville. His father, Chuck Tomlinson, is pushing the wheelchair. / DAVE MARTIN/APWritten by
Jay Reeves
The Associated Press
JACKSONVILLE -- A Marine twice injured in Afghanistan received a hero's welcome Wednesday from thousands of well-wishers waving flags and cheering in his Alabama hometown.
Sgt. Ben Tomlinson grinned widely from the family's minivan as a motorcade led by a long line of police cars roared into the city square in Jacksonville for a brief ceremony that included the mayor's declaration of "Ben Tomlinson Day." The one-time all-county football player and track athlete was shot in the chest on patrol about eight months ago during his second deployment to the country.
Two fire trucks held aloft a big flag between ladders, and motorcycle riders stood at attention with more flags. Elementary school students lined the streets.
read more here
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Alabama Special Forces soldier returns home and finds out his son has cancer
Alabama soldier returns home and finds out his son has cancer
Soldier returns
Special Forces Sergeant First Class Smiddie Avery and his family celebrated Monday night in Alabaster. Sgt. Avery was in Afghanistan, but he found out his son faces a different type of battle here.
By: KALISHA WHITMAN
Alabama's13.com
Published: December 26, 2011
Coming home for the holidays isn't something every soldier gets to experience, however, this year Special Forces Sergeant First Class Smiddie Avery made it home just in time.
“You don't realize what home is until you have to leave it and go away for a long period of time,” Sgt Avery said. “Everything means that much more when you get back.”
However, not long after his arrival he found out his 18-year-old son, Sam, would prepare for a fight that has nothing to do with the battle field.
He said, “I was home about two weeks and found out he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease.”
read more here
Soldier returns
Special Forces Sergeant First Class Smiddie Avery and his family celebrated Monday night in Alabaster. Sgt. Avery was in Afghanistan, but he found out his son faces a different type of battle here.
By: KALISHA WHITMAN
Alabama's13.com
Published: December 26, 2011
Coming home for the holidays isn't something every soldier gets to experience, however, this year Special Forces Sergeant First Class Smiddie Avery made it home just in time.
“You don't realize what home is until you have to leave it and go away for a long period of time,” Sgt Avery said. “Everything means that much more when you get back.”
However, not long after his arrival he found out his 18-year-old son, Sam, would prepare for a fight that has nothing to do with the battle field.
He said, “I was home about two weeks and found out he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease.”
read more here
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