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Articles written by Martha Poole Simmons


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  • City of Montgomery Celebrates Veterans Day

    Martha Poole Simmons|Dec 1, 2024

    The City of Montgomery, AL, celebrated Veterans Day in grand style beginning with a special patriotic parade from the AL Capitol continuing down Dexter Avenue. Special Veterans Day activities were held at the Riverwalk Stadium. Thousands of veterans and others attended as the events unfolded with the arrival of a military helicopter that landed on the baseball field. COL John A. Eidsmoe, a U.S. Air Force veteran, served as emcee of the ceremonies. An Honor Guard from Maxwell Air Force Base...

  • Honoring Our Heroes

    Martha Poole Simmons|Dec 1, 2024

    Chief Warrant Officer 3 LaQuiesha Nicole Andrews: Age 43 Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) LaQuiesha Nicole Andrews served 20 years and seven months in the United States Army. She culminated her military career with the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 420A Human Resources Technician. She received the following medals, award decorations, and citations: Meritorious Service Medal (3rd award), Joint Service Commendation Medal (2nd award), Army Commendation Medal (5th award), Joint Service Achie...

  • Honoring Our Heroes

    Martha Poole Simmons|Dec 1, 2024

    Commander George Henry Teuton: Age 70 Commander (CDR) George Henry Teuton (Hank) served 31 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. Since 1790, the Coast Guard has safeguarded the American people and promoted national security, border security and economic prosperity in a complex and evolving maritime environment. The Coast Guard saves those in peril and protects the Nation from all maritime threats. The Coast Guard is the principal Federal agency responsible for maritime safety, security and...

  • Rear Admiral William Kent Davis: Hero for Alabama Veterans

    Martha Poole Simmons|Dec 1, 2024

    Rear Admiral Kent Davis USN Retired, is a hero to approximately 400,000 veterans and their families within AL. He served successfully as Commissioner of the AL Department of Veterans Affairs for almost six years from February 2019 until October when AL Governor fired him after Davis filed an ethics complaint regarding a dispute over handling of federal grants offered through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. This appears to be unjustified because the AL State Board of Veterans Affairs...

  • Chapter 607: Vietnam Veterans of America

    Martha Poole Simmons|Nov 1, 2024

    Chapter 607 of The Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) is located in Montgomery, AL, and it meets at the Montgomery Garage at 4035 Wallace Drive, Montgomery, AL 36116 at 1:00 on the first Monday of every month. The purpose of Chapter 607 is to ensure Vietnam Veterans are kept up to date on all the latest information necessary for their well-being including health, disability claims, recent, applicable legislation. It gives Vietnam Veterans a place to meet in fellowship with others of like minds....

  • Honoring Our Heroes

    Martha Poole Simmons|Nov 1, 2024

    Captain Jack Hawkins Jr.: Age 79 Captain Jack Hawkins, Jr. served six years in the United States Marine Corps which included combat duty in the Vietnam War. In addition, he served five years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. For his military service he received the following medals, awards, decorations and badges: the Bronze Star Medal "V", Purple Heart with one star, Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device,...

  • Honoring Our Heroes

    Martha Poole Simmons|Nov 1, 2024

    Lt Col Charles Bradford Stults: Age 80 Lt Col Charles B. Stults served in the U.S. Military for 26 years including four years and 10 months on active duty in the U.S. Army and 21 years in the AL Army National Guard. His active duty Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was Infantry (11B). He received the following medals, awards and decorations: Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Award (two), National Guard Achievement Medal, National Defense Service...

  • Town of Pike Road Veterans Appreciation Ceremony

    Martha Poole Simmons|Nov 1, 2024

    The 13th annual Town of Pike Road Veterans Appreciation Ceremony was held November 3, 2024 at the Pike Road Veterans Memorial at Veterans Park. Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone served as the emcee, and the event featured the Veterans Walk of Honor, the dedication of seven new commemorative bricks installed in the floor of the Veterans Memorial, patriotic music including the National Anthem and Taps by the Capitol Sounds under the direction of John Jackson, the Presentation of the Colors, and...

  • Obituary: WWII US Army Air Corps Gunner Charles E. Lynn

    Martha Poole Simmons|Nov 1, 2024

    US. Army Air Corps veteran, Charles E. Lynn, passed away November 1, 2024 at the age of 99. He served with the 381st Bombardment Group as a gunner in a turret in the bottom of a B17 Flying Fortress flying 35 missions for 28 months from England over Germany without injury. He stated, “The Lord blessed me and took me through WWII with no injury. I served my country. I would do it again.” His article was published in the April 2019 issue of the AL Gazette....

  • Honoring Our Heroes

    Martha Poole Simmons|Nov 1, 2024

    Captain Joan E. Ford: Age 91 Captain Joan E. Ford served eight years on active duty in the U.S, Air Force Reserve. Her Air Force Specialty (AFSC) was Nurse serving as a Nurse General, Nurse Psychiatric and Charge Nurse. She received the following medals, awards, decorations and ribbons: Air Force Longevity Service Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and Air Force Good Conduct Ribbon. Captain Ford was born August 9, 1933 at Washington, D.C. to her parents, William A. King and Elizabeth C....

  • Obituary: U.S. Army Air Corps Veteran: Joseph Collins

    Martha Poole Simmons|Nov 1, 2024

    SGT Joseph Collins, a WWII veteran, who served with the U.S. Army Air Corps and worked on the maintenance of B-17 Flying Fortresses in England passed away November 6, 2024 at the age of 104. His article was published in the January 2020 issue of the Alabama Gazette. https://www.alabamagazette.com/story/2020/01/01/news/honoring-our-heros/1818.html Sgt. Joseph Collins was born January 11, 1920, in the Welona community of Coosa County, AL, and except for the four years that he served with the...

  • City of Montgomery Celebrates Veterans Day

    Martha Poole Simmons|Nov 1, 2024

    The City of Montgomery, AL, celebrated Veterans Day in grand style beginning with a special patriotic parade from the AL Capitol continuing down Dexter Avenue past the fountain to Court Street. Special Veterans Day activities were held at the Riverwalk Stadium. Thousands of veterans and others attended as the events unfolded with the arrival of a military helicopter that landed on the baseball field. COL John A. Eidsmoe, a U.S. Air Force veteran, served as emcee of the ceremonies. An Honor...

  • Beyond a War

    Martha Poole Simmons|Oct 1, 2024

    On September 29, 2024, a capacity crowd in the Davis Theater in Montgomery attended the showing of Beyond a War, a documentary film about the personal stories of Dr. Jack Hawkins, Chancellor of Troy University, and Dr. Le Cong Co, President of Duy Tan University in Vietnam. More than 50 years ago, Dr. Hawkins and Dr. Le Conog Co were on opposite sides of the Vietnam War. Dr. Hawkins served as a platoon leader in the U.S. Marine Corps, and Dr. Le Cong Co fought against American forces as a...

  • Honoring Our Heroes

    Martha Poole Simmons|Oct 1, 2024

    Korean War Veteran: Sergeant John Robert Miller: Age 91 Sergeant John Robert Miller served three years in the U.S. Army including combat in the Korean War. His Military Occupational Specialty was Supply Sergeant. He received the following medals, awards, citations and badges: Korean Service Medal with three Battle Stars, U.N. Badge and Army Infantry Badge. He was recommended for the Bronze Star for Valor. Sergeant Miller was born December 18, 1932 to his parents, at Waynesboro, PA, where he...

  • Honoring Our Heroes

    Martha Poole Simmons|Oct 1, 2024

    Sergeant Major J. R. Jimenez: Age 63 Sergeant Major (Sgt Maj) J. R. Jimenez served 22 years in the U. S. Marine Corps. His Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was Field Artillery. Marines in this field have different areas of responsibility and expertise. Field Artillery includes the following duties: firing battery, weapons systems, field artillery operations which involves moving, operating, and maintaining equipment that requires targets and observation and liaison which includes checking...

  • Honoring Our Heroes

    Martha Poole Simmons|Oct 1, 2024

    LtCol Donald Dean Lehman: Age 77 LtCol Donald Lehman served 23 years in the U.S. Marine Corps with three years on active duty and 20 years on duty. His military occupational specialties (MOS) were: 1302, Combat Engineer Officer, 0802, Artillery Officer and 0202, Intelligence. He received the following medals, decorations, awards, and citations: Navy Achievement medal with combat “V”, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Selected Marine Corps Res...

  • Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Recognition Day Ceremony

    Martha Poole Simmons|Oct 1, 2024

    The Prisoner of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA) Ceremony was held September 21, 2024 on the south lawn of the AL State Capitol. Linda Ruloff served as Master of Ceremonies. Veteran motorcyclists escorted the POW/MIA flag from the Central AL Veterans Health Care Center. The 151st AL National Guard Band played patriotic music including the National Anthem. Lela Brown, a vocalist sang the Battle Hymn of the Republic and God Bless America. Mrs. Sandra Lucas, Assistant Commissioner of Outreach...

  • Honoring Our Heroes

    Martha Poole Simmons|Oct 1, 2024

    LTC Eddie Compton: A Life of Service, From Battlefield to City Hall Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Eddie Digby Compton III, a man whose life has been defined by service, has dedicated an impressive 37 years to the U.S. military. His journey began with 10 years in the Alabama National Guard where he served as an enlisted soldier and NCO starting as a Medical Specialist and later transitioning to a Medical Laboratory Specialist. Driven by his desire to further serve his country, he attended Officer...

  • Alabama DAR Member Receives Recognition from US Department of Defense

    Martha Poole Simmons|Sep 1, 2024

    A representative from the U.S. Department of Defense presented a Certificate of Appreciation to AL recipient, Sandra Lee Meadows Robertson of Montgomery, AL, on June 28, 2024 at the NASDAR 133rd Continental Congress in Washington, D.C. Meadows is an outstanding AL DAR member. She is a Vietnam era Gold Star wife and is a member of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. Her husband, Major Pierce I. Robertson, was serving in the US Army as a Rotary Wing Aviation Unit Commander, 227"' Assault Helicopter...

  • Honoring Our Heroes

    Martha Poole Simmons|Sep 1, 2024

    Master Sergeant James L. Berdeaux: Age 74 Master Sergeant (MSgt) James L. Berdeaux served 24 years in the U.S, Air Force. His Air Force Service Code (AFSC) included Security Police and Aircraft Control and Early Warning Radar. His me dals, badges citations and campaign ribbons included: Air Force Unit Award, AF Good Conduct Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Reserve Forces Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with two bronze stars, Vietnam Service...

  • Martha Poole Simmons inducted into Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame

    Martha Poole Simmons|Sep 1, 2024

    On Sunday, August 20, 2024 veteran Alabama Gazette writer Martha Poole Simmons was formally inducted into the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. Simmons was nominated by Carver D.K. Papke. Simmons lives in Montgomery. From the 2024 Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony program, "Martha Poole Simmons serves Armed Forces veterans through the American Red Cross and by writing articles for the Alabama Gazette. Simmons has presented at meetings for the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter...

  • Beyond a War

    Martha Poole Simmons|Sep 1, 2024

    The U.S. premier of “Beyond a War” will be presented Sunday, September 29, at 3:00 p.m. at the Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts, 251 Montgomery Street, Montgomery, AL. Troy University will present the U.S. premier of this powerful documentary short film. The event will also include a special recognition for all veterans. Guest speakers will be: • Kent Davis, Commissioner Alabama Veterans Affairs • Jack McManus, President of the Vietnam Veterans of America • Capt. Gary Michael Rose (USA – Re...

  • Honoring Our Heroes

    Martha Poole Simmons|Sep 1, 2024

    Sergeant Robert Clifton Fell: Age 48 Sergeant (Sgt) Robert Clifton Fell served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps. His Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was Helicopter Power Plant Mechanic. He received the following medals, awards, decorations and citations: Rifle Expert, Good Conduct Medal, NATO Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one star and Letter of Commendation and Meritorious Mast which is given for personalperformance...

  • WWII Veteran Henry Grady McInnis Celebrates 100th Birthday

    Martha Poole Simmons|Sep 1, 2024

    The WWII U.S, Navy veteran, Henry Grady McInnis celebrated his 100th birthday August 3, 2024. He was born August 3, 1924 in Peterman, AL, which is in Monroe County. He joined the U.S. Navy at age 18, and he served during WWII until the War was over. He and his wife who passed away in 2000 had one son. He was employed for 40 years at the Social Security office in Montgomery, AL. For more than 50 years, McGinnis has been a member of the Eastern Hills Baptist Church in Montgomer...

  • The Inaugural Krulak Classic Charity Golf Tournament of the Krulak Marine Alliance

    Martha Poole Simmons

    The Krulak Marine Alliance of Alabama (KMAA) is a Marine led statewide 501(c)(3) organization. KMAA is non-political and non-secular in nature. KMAA is a leader in providing physical, emotional, and financial aid to Alabama's active, reserve and Veteran Marines. They support non-profit organizations serving Marines and non-Marine military veterans. KMAA also provides quality-of-life community service as resources permit. The KMAA members are united in true solidarity of purpose and resolve to...

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