James E Hawkins

Proudly, we salute

Morgan and Cullman County recipients of the Purple Heart—the nation’s oldest military medal—were honored at an impressive ceremony conducted at the Purple Heart Memorial in Hartselle on Saturday.

The ceremony, which featured the ringing of a bell after the pronouncement of each recipient’s name, was sponsored by the Finis J. Self Chapter 2212 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Reading the names were State Senator Arthur Orr, R-Decatur; Maj. Gen. James Myles (Retired) of Huntsville, State Representative Ed Henry, R-Hartselle and Kenneth Kilgo, mayor of West Point.

“We’re here to honor those from Cullman and Morgan County who have received the Purple Heart,” said General Myles, the guest speaker. “This is about us putting our arms around the stars—those who have gone into battle in our nation’s defense and spilt blood to keep us free.”

“Our military personnel are as good as they’ve ever been and they continue to pay a price for all of us,” he added.

Attending the ceremony were an estimated 200 family members of Purple Heart recipients.

Mrs. Ausie L. Clement Jr. of Athens was one of them. Her late husband served in Vietnam and later retired as an Army captain with the Purple Heart medal.

“I think it’s great to have a memorial service for Purple Heart recipients,” she said, “We can’t do too much to honor those who have given their lives or spilt their blood for our country.”

A charter member of Chapter 2212, Wayne Lackey Sr. said he fought in Korea and Vietnam and served in the Army for 27 years.  He added proudly that he and his four brothers combined served in military for 92 years.

Roy Alford of Birmingham said he attended the ceremony in honor of a brother, Otis Alford, who was killed in the Korean War, an uncle, Gene Sivley, who was killed at Pearl Harbor in World War II and his wife’s uncle, Gene Sivley, who died in the Philippines while serving in World War II.

Clifford Gissell, Chapter 2212 commander, welcomed guests and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Brewer JROTC cadets Josh Childers, Joey Turrentine and James Speck posted the colors and SFC Donna Johnson sang the National Anthem.  ENell Baker sag “Spirit of America,” a song she wrote.

George Mills, a WWII Prisoner of War, gave a presentation on the POW/MIA table.

Steve Larsen closed the ceremony by playing taps.

J-School Loses 13 as Restructuring Begins - News - All News from ...

Florida A&M this week started cutting jobs throughout the university as part of the impending restructuring process. FAMU's School of Journalism and Graphic Communications lost 13 staff members - from office assistants to managers.

The university issued termination notices to 48 workers Tuesday, placing them on "administrative leave with pay" until June 30 - when the positions will officially be terminated. SJGC Dean James E. Hawkins circulated an email to faculty calling Wednesday a "dark day for the [school]."

FAMU has announced plans to cut the Graphics Communication program.

Included in the cuts from SJGC are Diane Hall, Dorothy Chaney, Yolanda Willis-Young, Costella Jones, Ulysses Franklin,  Linda Mock and Thivin Lanh. Six staffers who were being paid from federal government stimulus dollars were also dismissed.

FAMU's restructuring, which eclipsed all other news of the university's Spring 2011 semester, is the result of sweeping budget cuts throughout the state and the loss of millions in stimulus dollars. The university plans to combine several departments and colleges, and dispense with numerous programs.

[Check back for more]

Candidates in Florida A&M's annual elections invest emotionally and financially into their campaign. Read this in-depth piece by Stephanie Burton on just how much goes into the sometimes unsuccessful runs for school office. Florida A & M University Loses Eleven Top Administrators

Six of Florida A & M's top employees either quit to work for other schools, retired or were demoted this semester, meaning eleven top posts are vacant around campus including in Pharmacy, Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, VP student affairs, and research.

Proposal for Micronesian educational development program, Presented to Mr. James E. Hawkins, Assistant Commissioner for Community Services, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

The Uncle Sam connection, an insider's guide to Federal employment

History of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, 1913-1990

The Golden Lamp V8, Or Truth in Love for the Children of God (1885)

The Kotzebue, Noatak-Kobuk region, a preliminary economic study