CULLMAN, Ala. – Heads were bowed and colors were posted at Cullman Savings Bank as a chosen few were inducted into the inaugural class of the Cullman Veterans Hall of Fame on Friday evening, Oct. 27, 2023. Out of dozens of submissions, six were recognized for their military service, community service and leadership in local veterans’ associations.
“The mission of the Cullman Veterans Hall of Fame (CVHOF) is to recognize and pay tribute to our veterans who honorably served our country, displayed great character and continued a lifetime of service to our county, our state and its citizens,” said host and committee member, Retired U.S. Army Colonel Don Fallin in his opening remarks to the attending crowd.
The six veterans inducted were:
- Technical Sergeant (ret.) Jerry La Otto Willibey, United States Air Force (note, this honor was awarded posthumously; as such, Willibey’s wife Ava Willibey accepted on his behalf.)
- Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Johnnie R. Strickland, United States Navy, United States Army Reserve
- Donald Michael “Mike” Martin, United States Marine Corps
- Steven L. Larsen, United States Marine Corps
- Robert R. Turner, United States Marine Corps and Army National Guard
- Colonel (ret.) Ken Brown, United States Air Force
Each veteran was called one by one to have his moment in the spotlight as Fallin shared what set him apart from other candidates. Fallin mentioned snippets of the veterans’ applications and interviews, mentioning noteworthy accolades and medals and harrowing stories of survival in the Vietnam jungle. At the end of each award presentation, the crowd of family, friends and fellow servicemen and women stood reverently with applause, showing a genuine appreciation for the service put forth by these veterans for the country and community.
Inductees were awarded a plaque, medal and name badge; while the medal and name badge went home with them, the plaques were saved to be hung in the halls of the Cullman County Courthouse for one year, at which point the plaques will be returned and the next class of inductees’ plaques will be hung. A brief description of the inductees’ military service is listed below.
Technical Sergeant (ret.) Jerry La Otto Willibey
Willibey served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1977 as a Missile Maintenance Technician retiring after 20 years of service. He served in Vietnam in 1969 at the Tan San Nhut Air Base in Saigon.
Awarded:
- Five United States Air Force Commendation Medals
- Air Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device
Associations:
- VFW Post 2214 – Quartermaster and Post Commander 2006, 2007, 2011 and 2012. Under his leadership, the Post earned All American honors twice and ranked no. 1 Post in Alabama.
Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Johnnie R. Strickland
Strickland served in the United States Navy from 1950 to 1954 during the Korean War. He also served in the United States Army Reserve from 1957 to 1983 as a Field Artillery Officer. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 26 years of service.
Awarded:
- Army Commendation Medal
- Army Achievement Medal
- Korean Service Medal
- United Nations Medal
Associations:
- American Legion
- Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 101
- Veterans Administration
Donald Michael “Mike” Martin
Martin served in the United States Marine Corps from 1967 to 1971 as a Rifleman and Radioman earning the rank of Sergeant. He served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 with the 1st Marine Division – Quang Nam and Da Nang.
Awarded:
- Purple Heart Medal with Gold Star
- Navy Commendation Medal with “V” Device for Valor
- Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Stars
- Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Device
- Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device
- Combat Action Ribbon
- Presidential and Meritorious Unit Ribbons
Associations:
- VFW Post 2214
- Disabled American Veterans Post 101
- American Legion Post 4
Steven L. Larsen
Larsen served in the United States Marine Corps from September 1966 to October 1969. He was an Antitank Assaultman, Vietnam 1967 to 1968 with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines to include the Tet Offensive in Hue 1968
Awarded:
- Vietnam Service Medal with Two Bronze Stars
- Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device
- Combat Action Ribbon
- National Defense Service Medal
- Purple Heart Medal with Gold Star
- Republic of Vietnam Civil Action and Meritorious Unit Citations
- Vietnam Cross of Gallantry
- Presidential Unit Citation with Two Gold Stars
Associations:
- VFW Post 2214 – Post Chaplain for seven years
- Junior Vice, Adjutant, and Trustee Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans
- Cullman/Morgan County Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart
- Member of the Marine Corps League Shooting Team
Robert R. Turner
Turner graduated from Cullman High School in 1964 and served in the United States Marine Corps from October 1964 to October 1968. He was an AMTRAC Crewman, in Vietnam from 1965 to 1967. He served in the United States Army National Guard from 1983 to 2006
Awarded:
- Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star
- Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device
- National Defense Service Medal
- Purple Heart Medal with Gold Star (Wounded in Combat Twice)
- Combat Medal with Gold Star
- Good Conduct Medal
- Meritorious Mast
Associations:
- Alabama National Guard Rifle Team: President’s 100 at Camp Perry – 1994; National Champions in 1996
- Purple Heart Association
- VFW Post 2214
- Disabled American Veterans
Colonel (ret.) Ken Brown
Brown served in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1991 as an Intelligence Officer. He served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 with the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing in DaNang and flew combat missions in the F4 Phantom. He retired after 26 years of service.
Awarded:
- Legion of Merit
- Bronze Star Medal
- Air Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars
- Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross
- Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device
Associations:
- VFW Post 2214 – Commander, Senior Vice, Junior Vice, and Chaplain
- Cullman Veterans Park Board, Chairman
- Instrumental in the UH-1 Helicopter Project
- Led the efforts on the Veteran and First Responder PTSD Program
