The inaugural class of inductees into the Cullman Veterans Hall of Fame Friday, Oct. 27, seated, from left are Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Jonnie R. Strickland and Mike Martin. Standing, from left, are Ava Willibey (accepting on behalf of her late husband, Tech Sgt (ret.) Jerry La Otto Willibey), Robert R. Turner, Steven L. Larsen and Colonel (ret.) Ken Brown, USAF.

The Cullman Veterans Hall of Fame recognized and celebrated its inaugural class of inductees Friday, Oct. 27.

Partly inspired by his attendance to last year’s Cullman County Sports Hall of Fame banquet, local retired Army Col. Don Fallin said the CVHOF was formed earlier this year as a means to honor the extensive list of distinguished local veterans with the Cullman community.

A six-panel committee began accepting and reviewing community-submitted nominations in June with a weighted focus on those who have continued serving their communities and fellow veterans after their discharge from service.

The first six inductees, comprised of servicemen who, in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, were awarded medals and an honorary name badge to distinguish themselves during social functions during Friday evening’s ceremony. Each will also be recognized with a commemorative plaque placed prominently on the first floor of the Cullman County Courthouse for one year.

Those recognized were:

Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Johnnie R. Strickland, US Navy/ US Army Reserves

Donald Michael (Mike) Martin, USMC

Steven L. Larsen, USMC

Robert R. Turner, USMC

Colonel (ret.) Ken Brown, USAF

Posthumously awarded — Tech. Sgt. (ret.) Jerry La Otto Willibey, USAF