MADISON COUNTY – Six local veterans were added to the Madison County Hall of Heroes for 2018. These veterans retired from active service in a branch of the U.S. military.

The Hall of Heroes is a perpetual exhibit of the awards and memorabilia from the time that these veterans served. Chartered in February 1975, the Madison County Military Heritage Commission maintains the display to promote interest in the study and preservation of the military history and military heritage of the people in or from Madison County, Alabama. (mcmhc.us)

In December 1998, the IRS granted nonprofit 501(c)3 status to the commission. Madison County Military Heritage Commission honors citizens of Madison County who have served in the armed forces and received medals for valor, dating back to Dec. 13, 1808 when Madison County, Mississippi Territory was created.

The 2018 inductees are Captain Carl Gamble, U.S. Army; Staff Sergeant David McLawhorn, U.S. Army; Colonel Galen Rosher, U.S. Army; Chief Warrant Officer Ed Trexler, U.S. Army; and Colonel Sandy Weand, U.S. Army.

Organizers honored the 2018 inductees with a dinner and ceremony at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville last November.

Each of these veterans risked his life to save the life of another solider or more troops. They have received valor awards or higher. The Madison County Military Heritage Commission locates these service people, relates their individual stories and then exhibits their personal history for the public to view at Madison County Courthouse, according to WHNT-TV news.

Max Bennett, who served as 2018 Veterans Week Chairman, said the commission works hard “so that you and your kids get to go down there and read about, not just heroes that don’t really exist, but they’re right here in Huntsville and Madison County.”

In keeping with its founding mission, Madison County Military Heritage Commission strives to inspire a better appreciation and understanding of the part that military forces have played in the development of the United States. As a result, the organization encourages individuals to have a renewed dedication to patriotism and respect for the American flag.

In addition, Madison County Military Heritage Commission promotes research of members of the armed forces and for the military heritage of Madison County. The organization compiles military historical archives for the county.

For more information, visit mcmhc.us or Facebook/Madison County Hall of Heroes.