Yellowhammer Times

Ahead of Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) recognized two Alabama residents for their service to the country. The senator honored Roy Drinkard of Cullman, who is known as America’s oldest living Marine and a World War II veteran, and Army Master Sergeant Harvey Mathis of Enterprise.

In his remarks, Tuberville highlighted Alabama's history with Veterans Day celebrations. He noted that Birmingham hosted the first-ever Veterans Day event in 1947, organized by World War II veteran Raymond Weeks. Tuberville said, “I like to think that my state of Alabama is the most patriotic in the country. We stand for the flag. And we honor those who have made freedom possible. That’s why it’s no surprise that the first-ever Veterans Day celebration was held in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1947. World War II veteran Raymond Weeks organized a parade to mark ‘National Veterans Day,’ and continued to do so every year until his death in 1985.”

Tuberville also discussed Roy Drinkard’s contributions after his military service. After returning from World War II, Drinkard worked to attract new businesses to Alabama as part of the "Flying Fifty," founded Drinkard Chevrolet, and later led Drinkard Development in Cullman. The senator said he joined Drinkard earlier this year for his 105th birthday celebration and noted that he remains active in both First Baptist Church of Cullman and on Troy University’s Board of Trustees.

Regarding Master Sergeant Harvey Mathis, Tuberville pointed out Mathis’ long family legacy of military service dating back to the Revolutionary War. After retiring from nearly 25 years in the Army in 2000, Mathis attended police academy at age 42 and went on to serve as a chief investigator focusing on crimes against children. He also worked with Dale County Sheriff’s Department and served as Police Chief for Daleville during his law enforcement career.

Tuberville concluded by encouraging Americans to honor veterans through their actions: “As we prepare to commemorate Veterans Day this weekend, I remind us of the quote, ‘If you want to thank a soldier, be the kind of American worth fighting for.’ May we all live worthy of the sacrifices made for us. To all our veterans and their families, we say ‘Thank you.’ May God Bless you, and continue to bless our great country.”

Senator Tuberville serves on several Senate committees including Armed Services; Agriculture; Veterans’ Affairs; Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP); and Aging.