The newly remodeled O’Charley’s restaurant in Fultondale honored local military hero, Shaun Knopf.

Knopf comes from a family that boasts 13 generations of military service spanning all four military branches. He was born on an Air Force base, but moved to Pinson when he was 2 years old.

Knopf served five years in the U.S. Navy. He currently lives in Mt. Olive and is a member of American Legion Post 255 in Fultondale.

A local service member was honored at each of the 30 restaurants that have been remodeled nationwide as part of O’Charley’s Hometown Heroes campaign, according to Fultondale manager Mark Jarzen.

“I think it’s fantastic, not that they are honoring me, but that they are recognizing veterans, getting them in the public eye and giving them the recognition they deserve,” Knopf said.

Jarzen presented Knopf with a poster that had been signed by local patrons to the restaurant and then treated him, his friends and family to dinner at the restaurant.

The restaurant is also providing patrons with thank you cards to be sent to troops serving overseas.

Boy Scout Troop 74 presented the flags for the ceremony and George Weeks sung the National Anthem, causing Knopf to tear up.

“It always gets me,” he said, wiping his eyes.