Honoring Our Heroes

Sergeant First Class James Edward Pierson: Age 67

Sergeant First Class (SFC) James Edward Pierson served 29 years in the military including 15.5 years in active duty in the U.S. Army and 14 years in the National Guard. His Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was Unit Level Communications Systems Circuit Controller with Radio Repair and Water Treatment Specialist. He received the following decorations, medals, badges and citations: Army Good Conduct Medal, (5th award), NCO/ Professional Development Ribbon (two), Overseas Service Ribbon (three), Army Service Ribbon, Expert Marksmanship Badge M-16 Rifle, Army Lapel Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Air Assault Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge, Army Meritorious Service Ribbon, Army Commendation Medal (three with oak leaf clusters), Army Achievement Medal, Southeast Asia Service Medal (with three bronze service stars) and Saudi Arabia Kuwait Liberation Medal. SFC Pierson was born March 10, 1957 in Troy, AL, to his parents, L.C. and Bula Pierson. He was reared in Wetumpka, AL and graduated from Wetumpka High School in 1975.

SFC Pierson volunteered for military service in the U.S. Army in May 1976 under a delayed entry program and reported for duty October 14, 1976 at Ft. Jackson, SC. for basic training which was referred to as Tank Hill, a large water tower at the top of the hill which recruits had to run up after completing vigorous training at the end of the day. He completed eight weeks of boot camp and also trained as a field wireman while there. He was then deployed to serve three years at Baumholder, Germany. He reenlisted and trained for 10 weeks at Ft. Sill, OK, to work as a radio repairman. Next, he served at Ft. Lewis, WA, for two years. His second tour to Germany was to the NATO Air Base at Geilenkirchen, Germany, for three years. He returned to the U.S.A. for one year at Ft. Riley, KS from 1985-86. He re-enlisted and served his third tour to Germany at Bamberg for three years 1986 to 1989. He then returned to the U.S.A. and served at Ft. Campbell, KY, in 1989-1992 where he served in Desert Shield/Desert Storm 1990-1991. His active duty ended July 16, 1992, and he returned to AL, and he immediately began serving in the National Guard July 17, 1992. SFC Pierson served respectively with the 123rd Supply & Support Company / 1208 Quartermaster Supply Company in Goodwater, AL, 1992-2019, The 122nd Troop Command, in Selma, AL, 2019-2001 and in 2001 when SFC Pierson was assigned to HHC 167 Theater Support Command Birmingham, AL 2001-2005. After 9/11 SFC Pierson was deployed to Ft. Monroe, VA in 2002 to 2004 to support the Global War on Terrorism. After he returned to Alabama, SFC Pierson retired from all military service October 21, 2005.

SFC Pierson used the G.I. Bill, completed training, received a certificate in trunk driving at John A. Patterson Technical College and drove trucks for one year. He then attended the Alabama Corrections Academy at Selma, AL and afterward, he was employed at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women at Wetumpka, AL, as a corrections officer for five years in 1999-2004. He then worked with the AL Department of Transportation in Alexander City, AL 2004-2007. His last employment was with the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs at the Tuskegee VA Medical Center as a Medical Support Assistant 2007-2015 and as The Lead Medical Support Assistant in the Specialty Clinic in 2015-2017 retiring from all employment in 2017.

SFC Pierson has six children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is an active member of the Disabled American Veterans. He is a member of the Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Wetumpka, AL, and serves as an usher. He is a member of the Vet Center Client Stakeholder Board in Montgomery, AL, and the American Legion Post 231 in Wetumpka, AL. He enjoys traveling and attending football games at AL State University.

SFC Pierson’s reflections on his military service are, “It provided a successful life full of accomplishments. Without the military, I do not think that I would have accomplished a lot of things that I have done, gone to places or seen things.” He would like people to remember him as an outstanding person who would do anything for anybody as long as they are willing to do right by him.