Honoring Our Heroes

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 Candidate School and was commissioned as an Officer in the Alabama National Guard. During his 9.6 years as an officer, he held various leadership roles: Protocol Officer, Detachment Commander, Ammunition Officer, Battery Operations Officer, Battery Commander, Assistant G-4 and Battalion S1. His commitment to duty also led him to serve a year and four months on active duty as an Embedded Team Chief in Afghanistan. Finally, LTC Compton dedicated an additional 16 years to the Army Reserve fulfilling diverse responsibilities such as Observer Controller/Trainer, Simulations Operations Officer, Operations Officer, OC/T Branch Chief, Exercise Planning Officer and Deputy Detachment Commander.

LTC Compton's distinguished career has been recognized with numerous military honors reflecting his valor, dedication, and leadership. His decorations include: the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Army Commendation Medal (five awards, including one for Combat Service, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (three awards), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (four awards), National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Armed Forces Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (with two campaign stars), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal (two awards), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon (four awards), Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" Device (three awards), NATO Medal; Combat Action Badge and Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon.

LTC Eddie Digby Compton III, age 57, represents a legacy of military service with three generations of his family answering the call to duty. He followed in the footsteps of his father, a U.S. Air Force Military Policeman, and his grandfather, a U.S. Army veteran of WWII. He was born September 12, 1967, at Moody Air Force Base, GA, to Eddie D. Compton Jr. and Felicia Delores Compton.

After graduating from Five Points High School in Five Points, AL, in 1985, LTC Compton voluntarily joined the Alabama National Guard on August 20, 1986. His military service included deployments to Afghanistan, Germany, South Korea, Panama and the Dominican Republic showcasing his commitment to serving his country on a global scale. He demonstrated exceptional leadership during natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and Rita, providing aid and support to those in need.

Throughout his military career, LTC Compton prioritized professional development completing a variety of courses to enhance his leadership and expertise. These include the MC 101 Observer Controller Trainer Course, ILF-Common Core, Simulation Operations Course, Commander's Safety Course, Quartermaster Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Field Artillery Captains Career Course, Field Artillery Officer Basic Course and Officer Candidate School. This commitment to continuous learning has undoubtedly contributed to his success as both a military officer and a civilian leader.

LTC Compton's careers have gone from soldier to civic leader. LTC Compton's dedication to education led him to use the G.I. Bill to earn an Associate Degree in Science from Southern Union Community College. He continued his studies at Auburn University and graduated from Troy University Montgomery in 2005 with a B.S. Degree in Resource Management. His civilian career is as diverse as his military service. He owned and operated Bay Cleaners and a laundromat in Montgomery, AL, from 1999 to 2007 when he was called to deploy to Afghanistan.

Upon his return from Afghanistan, LTC Compton faced the harsh reality of reintegration into civilian life. In a candid speech at a veterans' Stand Down event, he shared a personal experience that shed light on the hidden struggles many veterans face saying, "I have not shared this story publicly," he confessed, "but I remember when I returned from Afghanistan. I had a house, but it was rented out. With no civilian job lined up and the Army Reserves not providing full-time income, I found myself living in an extended-stay hotel for eight long months. It wasn't a cardboard box on the street, but it was far from stable or secure. It was a constant reminder of the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life." He continued, "My story is not unique. Homelessness isn't always about sleeping on the streets. It can also mean living in temporary accommodations, couch-surfing, or struggling to maintain stable housing due to financial instability or other challenges. Many veterans like me face these hidden forms of homelessness often going unnoticed and unsupported." Following this challenging period, LTC Compton spent 1.5 years assisting job seekers at the Career Center as an Employee Security Representative with the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations. He then utilized his military experience and technical skills to serve as a Project Manager, a software package called HCS Connect, SharePoint System Administrator and Quality Assurance Coordinator and IT Helpdesk Analyst at Health Care System, a pharmacy software company, from 2008 to 2010.

Since 2022, LTC Compton has been the Senior Policy Advisor to Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed where his military background in leadership and strategic planning has proven invaluable. He researches, develops and implements evidence-based policies on critical issues like education, public safety, economic development and infrastructure. He also collaborates with diverse stakeholders, securing grants, engaging national experts and fostering community partnerships to advance the Mayor's vision for the city. Compton's role extends to strategic planning, data analysis and communication ensuring the Mayor's office is well-informed and responsive to the city's needs. His leadership is further demonstrated through his active facilitation of various initiatives, including the Task Force on Addressing Homelessness, Montgomery Military and Veterans Commission and the Community Violence Intervention Initiatives: Faith, Community, and Legacy

LTC Compton's reflections on his military service highlight its profound impact on his life: "It meant different things at different times. Initially it was a way for me to afford college. After I became an E-5, it started teaching me about leadership and how to take care of other people. As an officer, it taught me about leadership and planning and how to lead and help younger officers to learn how to stay in the military and progress. I want to be sure that they are taken care of after I leave so that they don't make the same mistakes that I did. The military is the best thing that I have ever done. It helped me to grow up, and it took me to other places, countries and cities. It exposed me to quite a bit and made me the person that I am today." He hopes to be remembered as someone who worked tirelessly and was dedicated to accomplishing the mission or task at hand.

LTC Compton and his wife, Joanne, have been married for 13 years. He is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Greater Washington Park in Montgomery serving on the Executive Committee, leading the social justice ministry as a Deacon and singing in the choir. His deep faith guides him in both his personal and professional life. He is deeply committed to unity and service dedicated to collective action and building a stronger more united community.

LTC Eddie Compton's life is a testament to the power of faith, service, and leadership. From his distinguished military career to his impactful civilian roles and his unwavering dedication to his community and church, he embodies the values that make our nation strong. His story is an inspiration to all who strive to make a positive difference in the world.