CULLMAN, Ala. – Retired U.S. Army Col. Don Fallin has announced his candidacy for House District 11. The seat is vacant now since former Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview, moved to a position in the office of Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman.
Fallin is a decorated veteran and Fairview native and attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
“I grew up on my family’s farm in Fairview, Alabama, graduated from Fairview High School, then volunteered to enlist in the United States Army,” he said. “After graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point, I proudly served in the U.S. Army for over 30 years in leadership and command positions in every rank from Lieutenant to Colonel serving in Infantry, Airborne, Aviation and Special Operations Commands. Since returning home to Cullman after my military service, I have been active on the Executive Committee of the Cullman County Republican Party, the Cullman VFW post, the Cullman Veterans Park Board and have served as the Chairman of the Board for the Cullman County Veterans Hall of Fame.”
Fallin first enlisted in the Army in Cullman in 1982 after graduating from Fairview.
“My 30-year career progressed from being an enlisted Private in the Field Artillery to an Aviation Colonel following my graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York,” Fallin said. “My career was highlighted by commanding an AH-64 Apache Helicopter Battalion; then later, duty in the Joint Special Operations Command (Tier 1 – Special Mission Unit) and Commanding the Special Mission Wing (Mi17), Special Operations Aviation Task Force in Afghanistan. I held leadership and command positions in every rank from First Lieutenant to Colonel serving in Infantry, Airborne, Aviation and Special Operations Commands with duty in 18 countries over four continents.”
His eight combat tours include Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Resolute Support and Advanced Force Operations in the Horn of Africa and Eastern Europe. His Special Operations Task Force was responsible for the rescue of hostage Captain Richard Phillips of the Maersk Alabama off the coast of Somalia.
“My awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, five Bronze Stars, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals and the Combat Air Medal,” Fallin told The Tribune. “I am Airborne, Pathfinder and Ranger qualified and have been awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Combat Action Badge, Senior Army Aviator Badge and the Air Assault Badge.”
Fallin is helicopter rated in the Huey, Cobra, Apache, Longbow and the Soviet Mi17 (LDO). He is a graduate of the Special Forces Survival Course, Jungle Operations School, Arctic Warfare School, the Canadian and Irish Airborne Schools and the Ireland Defense Force Command and Staff College.
“In addition, I hold two Masters of Science degrees from Troy State University and the National Defense University,” Fallin said. “After retirement, I partnered with the nonprofit Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund to raise education scholarship funds for the children of our fallen service members by leading the annual endurance events completing the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Aconcagua in Argentina as well as completing the 70-mile Inca Trail in the Peruvian Andes – surpassing $175,000 raised for education scholarships.”
He and his wife Megan reside in Cullman and have two children – Casey and Sean. Casey is married to Army Major Rob Beery and is stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, and Sean is an Army Captain stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
“I am an active member of VFW Post 2214 and serve on the Cullman Republican Executive Committee, the Cullman Veterans Park Board and on the Cullman Veterans Hall of Fame Committee,” Fallin said.
Fallin said he looks forward to continuing his commitment to service to Alabama and the district.
“I will serve with honesty and integrity and bring a grounded perspective to the district in serving the people of District 11,” he said.
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