Alabama Academy of Honor salutes retired Black Marine general

The nation’s defense secretary and a pioneering social justice activist are among new members inducted Thursday into the Alabama Academy of Honor.

The Academy honors 100 living Alabamians for their accomplishments and service to the state and nation. The ceremony included honorees for 2020 because that year’s ceremony was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

RELATED

Black Marine colonel passed over 3 times receives 1-star nomination

Col. Anthony Henderson was one of nine Marines nominated for promotion to brigadier general in early March.

By Philip Athey

The 2020 honorees are: Equal Justice Initiative founder Bryan Stevenson, former U.S. Congressman Jo Bonner, retired Maj. Gen. J. Gary Cooper, a decorated Vietnam veteran and the first Black officer in the Marine Corps to lead an infantry company into combat.

The 2021 honorees are U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Huntsville attorney Julian Butler, retired judge John England Jr., former Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson, Grammy-award-winning recording artist Lionel Richie, and UAB’s Senior Vice President of Medicine Dr. Selwyn Vickers.

In Other News

No paper, no plastic: Be ready as commissaries adopt reusable bags

Reusable bags can be more expensive for commissary shoppers up front, but more cost-effective in the long run.

Marine in helicopter unit dies in ‘routine’ operations in California

The Marine was part of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303, which trains pilots to fly the AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters.

Navy chief found guilty of attempted espionage

A general court martial found U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Bryce Pedicini guilty of attempted espionage, among other charges.

Pentagon disputes report of firefight following Abbey Gate bombing

A new report on the 2021 airport bombing in Afghanistan which killed 13 U.S. troops suggests the assault may have involved more than one attacker.

Parachute mishap resulted in Marine’s North Carolina training death

Sgt. Colin Arslanbas, "an outstanding Marine and leader," was in a parachute accident during a predeployment certification exercise.

Load More