Alabama National Guard to begin vaccinations at rural sites
National Guard members will begin immunizing rural residents against COVID-19 this week as Alabama tries to improve a vaccination rate that’s trailing most of the nation. Mobile vaccination clinics will be held Tuesday in the cities of Andalusia and Livingston, according to a news release by the state, followed by clinics in Enterprise and Eutaw on Wednesday. Guard teams will provide shots later in the week in Ozark, Greensboro, Abbeville and Marion, and additional clinics are planned elsewhere into April. The National Guard has two teams that are capable of providing at least 1,000 vaccinations per day. It plans to administer about 8,000 doses per week. Appointments aren’t required, and the shots are free. Gov. Kay Ivey said the effort will help as the state looks to get past the coronavirus pandemic. “I encourage everyone eligible to take advantage of this great resource, and please remain patient as we continue working to get our hands on as many doses as we are able from the federal government,” she said in a statement. While more than 1.3 million doses have been administered in the state, statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show Alabama and neighboring Georgia are trailing the rest of the United States in the percentage of its adult population that has received at least one dose. The state is expanding the eligibility rules for vaccinations on Monday to include more frontline workers, residents with certain chronic health conditions, and people 55 and older. The move will add more than 2 million people to the groups who can receive a COVID-19 vaccination in Alabama, roughly doubling the number of people who are eligible. More than 10,000 people have died of COVID-19 in the state, and more than 510,000 have tested positive for the virus. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Kay Ivey commends Alabama National Guard home from D.C. deployment
Governor Kay Ivey announced that the soldiers deployed from the Alabama National Guard (ALNG) to Washington D.C. for the Presidential Inauguration have returned home. The 750 soldiers were activated soon after the Capitol protests and returned home the day after the Inauguration. Gov. Ivey stated on Twitter, “I remain proud of how the men and women of the @alabamang represent our home state and are always willing to step up and serve whenever and wherever needed. I am pleased to have them back home in Alabama and remain grateful for each of them.” I remain proud of how the men and women of the @AlabamaNG represent our home state and are always willing to step up and serve whenever and wherever needed. I am pleased to have them back home in Alabama and remain grateful for each of them. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/WRgtJdTjuo — Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) January 30, 2021 WSFA.com reported that Gov. Ivey originally activated 250 national guard soldiers, but a total of 750 soldiers were deployed. The Adjutant General Major Sheryl Gordon sent a letter to Governor Ivey, stating that the mission was considered an “unmitigated success”. Gordon’s letter also stated, “Our soldiers were in fact part of those identified by the media as having been moved to the parking garage for their on-shift break, but this move had no significant impact to the mission or the morale of our Soldiers. As we fully expect, our Soldiers reacted with grace and professionalism, and I take great pride in their conduct as they were essentially performing as Ambassadors for the state of Alabama.” The 750 ALNG soldiers joined a total of 25,000 soldiers and airmen that deployed to D.C. for the Inauguration.
Alabama National Guard to disinfect state’s nursing homes
The Alabama National Guard has been called on by Gov. Kay Ivey to disinfect nursing homes and long-term care facilities across the state that have COVID-19 positive residents and employees and will train staff on the techniques of donning and doffing personal protective equipment. According to the Alabama National Guard’s Facebook page, the Infection Control Teams on site ensures all residents are kept in safe areas of the building while specially trained Soldiers and Airmen clear the facility’s rooms and common surfaces of potential contaminants. “The Alabama National Guard is here to serve our citizens, and I’m glad Governor Ivey asked us to take on this important mission,” said Major General Sheryl E. Gordon, adjutant general of the Alabama National Guard. “Our specially trained soldiers are prepared to assist nursing homes as they fight the spread of COVID-19.” “Our members are grateful for this assistance from Governor Ivey, the Alabama National Guard and ADPH,” added Brandon Farmer, President & CEO of the Alabama Nursing Home Association. “Alabama nursing home caregivers have been working hard since February to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This service will greatly supplement our infection control efforts and allow us to focus on caring for our residents.” State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said, “Nursing homes have taken the threat of this virus seriously from the start. The Alabama National Guard team will provide a valuable service which will allow more time for the nursing home staff to focus on patient care.” The disinfection mission is part of the Alabama National Guard’s continuous effort to respond to COVID-19.
Bradley Byrne: Much to be thankful for
As the year draws to a close and we enter another holiday season, I’m reminded we have much to be thankful for. First, I’m thankful for those who answer the call to service at home and abroad. It’s easy to get bogged down in the never-ending news coverage of political squabbles, but the men and women of our military are doing extraordinary things to keep global threats at bay. Our country remains the freest nation in the world because of their sacrifices. Imagine for a moment living in the volatile Middle East, or in Hong Kong in an escalating battle against China for basic rights, or under an oppressive regime like North Korea. Think of how fortunate we are not only for our military but our system of government! Just recently, our military scored a major victory by taking out the top ISIS commander. The American people are safer as a result of their courage and incredible work and planning. Earlier this year I visited our Southern border with Mexico. During this eye-opening visit, I gained a new appreciation for the work our law enforcement agencies and military are doing to stem the tide of drugs, human traffickers and other criminals crossing into our country. And in a world full of danger, our law enforcement keeps our communities safe. Last week, we were tragically reminded of the very real danger our law enforcement officers face every day when Lowndes County Sheriff “Big John” Williams was killed in the line of duty. We should thank God each day for our military, veterans and law enforcement officers. This great American experiment could not proceed without the daily sacrifices of those like Sheriff Williams. The remembrances and kind words pouring in from across the state have been incredibly moving. I’m thankful for my brother Dale. My brother retired from the Alabama National Guard as a command sergeant major. I think of Dale and his selflessness in serving our nation every day. This Spring I was afforded the opportunity to speak at a naturalization ceremony for new citizens. In a speech titled “what does it mean to be an American?” I discussed the great gifts, and responsibilities, of our representative democracy. It was a treasured experience and poignant reminder of how thankful we should be for this nation. I’m thankful for the state of Alabama, its wonderful people, and the opportunity to serve you in Washington. It is a blessing and an honor to represent you in our nation’s capital, and I do not take it lightly. I could not serve without my dedicated staff who care deeply for our country and the people we serve. I’m thankful for their commitment to the people of Southwest Alabama. Little is more important than family, and I have been blessed beyond measure by mine. My wife Rebecca is an amazing woman, and we are so proud of our children. I’m thankful for the opportunity Rebecca and I have gained in recent years to spoil our grandchildren! I’m thankful for the fall season, the changing leaves in Alabama, and football. This time of year reminds me of some of my happiest memories hunting with my boys and spending time with family at the farm. Most of all, I’m thankful for my God. I would not be able to accomplish anything without His constant encouragement and blessings. Through the seemingly nonstop bustle of the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, it’s important to keep the big things big and the little things little. As Philippians 4:6 instructs us, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” I pray you have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Kay Ivey offers Alabama National Guard support to Florida ahead of Hurricane Dorian
Governor Kay Ivey on Friday, ahead of Hurricane Dorian, released a statement that she has approved the Alabama National Guard to send up to 50 support personnel to Florida, should the need arise. The Associated Press reports, “As of 2 p.m. EDT, Dorian was centered about 625 miles (1,005 kilometers) east of West Palm Beach with winds of 115 mph (185 kph) and was moving northwest at a slowed-down 10 mph (17 kph). Dorian could prove to be the strongest hurricane to hit Florida’s Atlantic Coast since Andrew, a Category 5 that obliterated thousands of homes south of Miami with winds topping 165 mph (266 kph) in 1992. An estimated 10 million people live in the 13 Florida counties with the highest likelihood of seeing hurricane-force winds from Dorian by Wednesday morning. After passing through Florida, it is expected to rake the Southeast coast through the Carolinas. Coastal areas could get 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) of rain, with 18 inches (46 centimeters) in some places, triggering life-threatening flash floods, the hurricane center said.” President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency in Florida and authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster-relief efforts. “Alabamians believe in neighbors helping neighbors, and we stand ready to support the Floridians however we can,” Governor Ivey said. “Alabama is familiar with severe weather and the unpredictability of Mother Nature. Preparedness is always key, and we are proud to help Florida as they brace for potential impact from Hurricane Dorian. The state stands ready to assist and can accommodate this request, while still ensuring the safety of residents, should the storm impact Alabama. “Providing defense support to civilian authorities is a core mission for the Alabama National Guard. Our soldiers and airmen are highly trained, well equipped and ready to respond to assist our neighbors in other states as requested,” ALNG Adjutant General Major General Sheryl Gordon said. According to Governor Ivey’s office, she and Governor Ron DeSantis spoke on the phone yesterday evening. His schedule official schedule from the day reflects a call at 7:30 pm eastern with her following calls with governors from Georgia and South Carolina. “We are continually monitoring the storm system and will also ensure that Alabama is ready, should we receive any impact,” Governor Ivey added. Governor Ivey reports that she is “remaining in contact with Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Hastings to closely monitor the system.”
Bradley Byrne: Caring for the brave in the Land of the Free
It has been years in the making, but finally the veterans of our area will be able to get the care they have long deserved. On Monday, March 18th, I had the honor of participating in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new VA Outpatient Clinic located in Tillmans Corner. Many veterans from Southwest Alabama were on hand to witness the ceremony and tour the new facility. As someone who has deep respect and appreciation for our veterans, it was very exciting to watch the veterans tour their new facility. My brother, Dale, was a veteran, who served in the Alabama National Guard, so I know the importance of caring for those who have given so much of themselves to our country. Just before I was elected to my first term in Congress, Dale passed away. His legacy has always been something that has driven me every day to fight for our military members, both past and present. I couldn’t help but think about Dale as we were cutting the ribbon on that new VA clinic. I am so proud of the hard work over the past two decades to reach this point. Work on this project dates back multiple Congressmen and shows just how complicated and frustrating the government bureaucracy can be. As soon as I took office in Washington, I began pushing for the construction of this new VA facility. I held meetings and sent letters demanding a better clinic for our veterans. Thanks to the efforts of many people, we now have a clinic that truly reflects how we feel about our veterans. Our area is home to over 50,000 veterans. They have served our nation honorably, and they are deserving of everything we have to give them. Shouldn’t we, as a grateful nation, be able to give them the very best? Thankfully, the new clinic is state-of-the-art, modern, and offers several services that won’t require veterans to drive to the VA hospital in Biloxi. The new, 65,000 square feet clinic is conveniently located right off I-10 in Tillmans Corner. This location should be easy for local veterans to access, and the clinic has adequate public parking. The new clinic provides space for primary care, audiology and speech pathology, education, eye clinics, mental health, patient advocacy, radiology, Veterans’ Service Organizations, and women’s health. The region’s primary inpatient facility is still in Biloxi, but this new outpatient clinic in Mobile represents a huge improvement for our veterans. Service in the military is so much more than just a job. It is a dedication to support and defend the Constitution and the people of the United States, both at home and abroad. That service is immeasurable, and I am humbled to represent so many of those who have fought for our freedoms. There is still much work to be done to make life better for veterans. So far this year, I have thrown my support behind fifteen bills focused on making life better for veterans, military families, or active duty service members. Many of those bills have to do with getting veterans and their families the services, benefits, and recognition they have literally fought for. There is a great quote from Elmer Davis, a renowned news reporter and civil servant during World War II who knew the importance of informing the public of what service in the military really meant: “This will remain the land of the free so long as it is the home of the brave.” As long as we remember to take care of the brave, we will remain the land of the free. Bradley Byrne represents Alabama’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Kayla Freeman makes history as first black female pilot in Alabama National Guard
Kayla Freeman wasn’t looking to make history when she decided to pursue a career with the Alabama National Guard, but that’s exactly what she did. Freeman’s graduation on Saturday from Tuskegee University where she was enrolled in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, made her the first African-American female in Alabama’s National Guard history to earn her wings and become a pilot. “I just wanted to do the best that I could do and hopefully inspire a few people along the way,” she told the U.S. Army. “You can’t let mistakes and setbacks keep you down. Learn from them and continue moving forward. Most importantly keep God first and He will direct your path.” Having graduated, Freeman’s is currently employed as an aerospace engineer at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala. as her civilian job, but is now at Fort Hood, Texas; preparing to deploy to the Middle East as a platoon leader in the Alabama National Guard’s 1-169th Aviation Battalion, according to the Associated Press. She was pinned on Saturday by Col. Christine “Nickey” Knighton, a Georgia native and fellow history maker. Knighton, who made history on several different fronts was the first woman to command a tactical combat arms battalion in the U.S. Army, the first woman from Georgia to complete flight training at Fort Rucker, and the second African-American woman in U.S. military history to earn her wings at Fort Rucker. “Col. Knighton has been an inspiration to me since college” Freeman told the U.S. Army. “I felt that it was only right to have her pin me.” Another female history maker — Alabama’s Major General Sheryl Gordon commended Freeman for her achievements. “We take the ideals of equal opportunity very seriously,” Gordon told Tuskegee University, “and we’re extremely proud of 2nd Lt. Freeman’s achievements. She is further proof that we don’t see race or gender in the Alabama Guard — we see Soldiers and Airmen and their potential.” “She has worked very hard to earn those wings, and that’s a great example for all of us,” Gordon continued.
Five things you need to know about Gerald Dial
The primary elections are over, but some highly sought spots still remain open due to the primary races resulting in runoffs. One of those races is for the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries seat. Incumbent Agricultural Commissioner John McMillan announced in January he would not be seeking reelection, opting for a run for State Treasurer instead. Four candidates stepped-up to the plate seeking election in the June 5 Republican primary. Former state Sen. Gerald Dial and Lowndesboro Mayor Rick Pate both garnered enough support to tip the race into a a runoff election set for July 17. With that in mind, here are the five things you need to know about Gerald Dial: 1. He served 37 years in the military, retiring in 1997 as an Assistant Adjutant General of the Alabama National Guard Dial joined the Alabama National Guard in 1959, over the course of his 37 year career in the military he attended the Alabama Military Academy and the Engineering Officers Basic Course. In 1968 he also completed the rigorous training required to become a United States Army Ranger, and was ranked as the Assistant Adjutant General of the Alabama National Guard when he retired in 1997. 2. He served in the state legislature as both a senator and a representative. In 1974 Dial was elected to serve as a Representative to the Alabama House, a position he held for one term. After his term as a representative, Dial sought election to the Alabama State Senate District 13 in 1983 and won. He then held his position until 2006 coming back to the race in 2010 to win the district back. This year, instead of seeking re-election, he’s joined the race for Agricultural Commissioner citing his 44 years of service in the Alabama Legislature as enough experience for the job. 3. He’s currently one of the President’s pro tempore at Troy University. Then governor Guy Hunt appointed Dial to the Troy University Board of Trustees in 1991 where he now serves as President pro tempore for Area 5. “Sen. Gerald Dial is one of the best public servants that I have met throughout my life in Alabama,” Troy Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. told the Trojan News Center. “For 26 years he has served as a member of the Troy University Board of Trustees and he has served well. Leadership in its truest sense is about pulling people together and focusing them in a common direction. Sen. Dial is the essence of a servant leader and one of whom we can all be proud.” 4. He was appointed by former governor Bob Riley to serve as the Executive Director of the Alabama Rural Action Commission. Dial served as the Executive director of the Alabama rural action commission from 2007 to early 2018, he was appointed for the position by then governor Bob Riley. According to his campaign website, while serving in this position, Dial “helped secure grants for infrastructure improvements, rural broadband initiatives, and community development.” 5. He financed his campaign through his timber business Pate, Dial’s opponent claimed he was the only farmer in the primary race, but Dial says that’s not true. “I am a farmer as well,” Dial told AL.com. “I financed my campaign off of timber.”
Alabama National Guard soldier killed in Humvee crash named
An Alabama National Guard Humvee carrying two soldiers crashed early Thursday morning in Atmore, ALa. At approximately 10 a.m. on Interstate 65 North near mile marker 64, one soldier was killed, and another soldier was evaluated at a local hospital and released. Staff Sgt. John Wesley Wardrop, 38, of Satsuma, Ala., a squad leader with the Alabama National Guard’s 1165th Military Police Company, out of Fairhope, Ala. has died. “I am truly saddened at this loss,” said Maj. Gen. Sheryl E. Gordon, Alabama National Guard adjutant general. “I’ve lost Soldiers before, and it never gets easier. I am praying for the family and we are reaching out to them to help them in any way we can.” The passenger, Justin Cecil McCollough, 25, of Grand Bay was transported to D.W. McMillian Hospital. Both men were members of the 1156th Military Police. Wardrop was on a mission preparing for his unit’s annual training when the Humvee he was driving crashed. No other details of the crash are available at this time. The Alabama National Guard is conducting a thorough investigation into the accident. Soldier safety is a priority in the Alabama Guard, and continual risk assessment is a part of all operations.
Alabama to send National Guard troops to protect Mexican border
At the request of the Trump administration, Governor Kay Ivey and Alabama Adjutant General, Major General Sheryl Gordon, have approved the dispatch of Alabama National Guard troops to the nation’s Southwest border with Mexico. President Donald Trump sent a memo in April, authorizing the use of National Guard troops at the border, saying “the lawlessness that continues at our southern border is fundamentally incompatible with the safety, security, and sovereignty of the American people,” adding that his administration had “no choice but to act.” The Yellowhammer State has approved the deployment of one helicopter and five personnel members on Friday. The soldiers will be supporting the Texas National Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “Alabama is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our nation. We have the greatest group of service men and women in the country,” Ivey said. “The Alabama National Guard stands ready to answer the call and we are proud to assist in the Southwest border mission.” The UH-72A Lakota helicopter will be dispatched from Birmingham on Tuesday. Joining the helicopter will be a flight crew and aircraft maintainers from the A Company, 1-114th Aviation Battalion, also out of Birmingham. “The Alabama National Guard is always ready to assist our friends and partners on the border and continue the ongoing mission for homeland security,” Gordon said. “We’re proud our soldiers are mentally and physically equipped to handle the challenges of the task.” The soldiers mission will operate be to provide additional support for observation and tracking of illegal activity around the U.S. border with Mexico. The soldiers will not be conducting law enforcement operations, but will be directed by the Texas National Guard. Alabama is the latest state to send equipment and soldiers to assist Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The last time the Alabama Guard sent Lakotas and crew members to the border was in 2016.
Ceremony marks opening of Alabama computer forensics lab
A new lab specializing in digital forensics is operating in Huntsville, Alabama. The FBI and local leaders held a ceremony Wednesday to mark the opening of the Tennessee Valley Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory. The center is one of 17 such facilities in nationwide specializing in training and the analysis of digital evidence. The FBI will provide the facility, equipment and training for the lab. Local agencies will provide staffing for the center including the city of Huntsville police; sheriff’s departments in Etowah and Madison counties; and the Alabama National Guard Counterdrug program. The U.S. attorney’s office for north Alabama will help as a prosecuting agency. The lab is located at Redstone Arsenal. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Women of Influence: Major General Sheryl Gordon
One of the top ranking women in the state, Major General Sheryl Gordon, has been serving Alabama for over 30 years and counting. Her hard work and unrelenting dedication to the Alabama National Guard have paid off in a big way; she remains not only the first female General in the organization, but also the first and only female to reach the Adjutant General rank in the organization’s history. Gordon was born and raised in Selma and graduated from Selma High School. She obtained her bachelors degree from Birmingham Southern College in 1979, and received her first assignment as a Second Lieutenant with the Alabama National Guard in Montgomery in 1981. She was promoted to First Lieutenant in 1984, and quickly rose to Captain the following year. She obtained her second Bachelors degree, this one in education, from Auburn University at Montgomery in 1987. She went on to work at Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City for two decades; teaching chemistry for 10 years, and after receiving her Master’s of Education from Auburn University at Montgomery, she served as the school’s vice principal for another 10 years. Gordon continued to rise through the ranks, and obtained numerous awards and certificates along the way, including: Meritorious Service Medal (with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters) Army Commendation Medal Army Achievement Medal (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters) National Defense Service Medal Humanitarian Service Medal Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with Silver Hourglass Device) Army Service Ribbon Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon (with Numeral 2) Alabama Veteran Service Meal (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) Alabama Special Service Ribbon Alabama Faithful Service Ribbon (with Silver and Bronze Saint Andrews Cross) Alabama Basic Training Ribbon Weapons of Mass Destruction Course, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, completed in 2000 Chemical Senior Leader Qualification, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri completed in 2000 United States Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania completed in 2003 Gordon attained the rank of Major General in 2011 and in July of 2017 Gov. Kay Ivey named Gordon the 42nd Adjutant General of the Alabama National Guard, and thus a member of her Cabinet. “General Sheryl Gordon is a trailblazer and visionary leader,” Ivey said upon appointing Gordon. “She has had a distinguished military career spanning 33 years. I look forward to serving alongside her as she leads our National Guard troops in Alabama.” As adjutant general, she advises Ivey on military affairs and is the commander of the Alabama Army and Air National Guard. The organization currently employs over than 12,000 citizen Soldiers and Airmen. The biggest challenge the Guard faces today: readiness. “Readiness is personnel, training and equipment,” she told The Montgomery Advertiser. “Most people think that training is the focus of readiness, but from my perspective, personnel is the focus because if you don’t have the personnel, then your training plan can be great and wonderful, but if I don’t have anyone to train, it doesn’t make any difference.” “My goal is to make sure that the soldiers and the airman of the Alabama National Guard are prepared for the wartime mission and the peace time mission,” she said. “Readiness is at the forefront of everything that we do, all the training that we do, and readiness takes many different forms.” When the Montgomery Advertiser asked Gordon what she would say to young women entering the National Guard she said; “Keep your personal life personal; don’t date anyone in the unit; don’t discuss what you do on Friday night when you arrive to drill; always behave in a professional manner; and most importantly, to understand you can’t be ‘one of the guys’, because you’re not.” “And, guys can resent you for wanting to be one of the guys, because I’ve heard that. For trying to hang out with the guys. A female officer is somewhat isolated, because there aren’t that many peers that you have, so you have to be pretty confident in yourself and your abilities.” For her unrelenting devotion to the state of Alabama and her incredible accomplishments – Major General Sheryl Gordon, is undeniably a woman of influence.
