Central Alabama Marines-Council

10/28/2026

🇺🇸 ALABAMA IN SERVICE | THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN

Before they became known as the legendary Red Tails, their story began in the skies over Tuskegee, Alabama.

In 1941, the U.S. Army Air Corps began training African American military aviators in Tuskegee, overcoming longstanding racial barriers in American military aviation.

Despite facing segregation and discrimination, the Tuskegee Airmen went on to serve with distinction during World War II. The 332nd Fighter Group became recognized for its red-tailed aircraft and its combat record protecting American bombers over Europe.

Their legacy extends far beyond the battlefield. Through courage, discipline and determination, these servicemen and the personnel who supported them helped change the future of the United States military.

From Alabama's skies to the front lines of history, their service helped pave the way for generations to follow.

At Central Alabama Marine Corps Council, we believe stories of service deserve to be told, honored and preserved across every branch of our military.

What other Alabama military stories deserve to be remembered? Share them in the comments.

This content is aligned with Central Alabama Marines- Council's Line of Effort 2 (Lifelong Education) and Line of Effort 4 (Patriotic Preservation).

Sources: National Park Service and National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

10/27/2026

Here is a great opportunity for qualified organizations to work with the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs to provide well-being support and services for Alabama’s Service Members, Veterans and their Families. 👇👇👇

The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs is now accepting applications for the 2027 Veterans Well-Being Grant!

This grant opportunity aims to support initiatives that promote the well-being of Alabama’s veterans and help strengthen the resources and services available to those who have served.

Application Deadline: December 14, 2026

Interested applicants are encouraged to review the funding opportunity, eligibility requirements, and application guidelines before submitting their applications.

Learn more: https://va.alabama.gov/adva-grants/

Apply here: https://adva.wizehive.app/program/adva-grant/applicant/application/info?cycleId=1CfzXY9Gr8svDvb1X97EFw

10/23/2026

Today, we honor the memory of Marine Major William Ellis Winter.

Born March 27, 1951, in Birmingham, Alabama, William Ellis Winter—son of Ellis C. and Virginia Balch Winter—answered the nation’s call with unwavering dedication and courage.

A 1969 graduate of the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas, and a 1973 graduate of Auburn University, William was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps through the NROTC program. Over the course of his distinguished career, he completed Army Jump School, Ranger training, and served with honor in multiple commands, including 3rd Marine Division (Okinawa, Japan), Marine Corps Recruit Depot (Parris Island, SC), a Marine Barracks Detachment (England), and 8th Marine Regiment (Camp Lejeune, NC).

In 1983, while deployed to Beirut, Lebanon, with the Multinational Peacekeeping Force, Captain Winter paid the ultimate sacrifice when a terrorist bombing struck the Marine Barracks on October 23. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Major on April 12, 1984.

Major Winter was survived by his wife, Melia, and their two children, Michael and Amanda.

Today, we honor the life, legacy, and sacrifice of Major William Ellis Winter—a warrior, leader, and patriot who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country.

Semper Fidelis.

220 Marines, 18 U.S. Navy sailors, and 3 U.S. Army soldiers lost their lives in the Marine Barracks bombing 43 years ago: https://www.marines.mil/News/Marines-TV/videoid/634642/dvpTag/Beirut/

10/22/2026

HONORING GOLD STAR & FALLEN WARRIOR FAMILIES — THANK YOU, KRULAK MARINE ALLIANCE OF ALABAMA!

Some partnerships go beyond financial support. They reflect a shared commitment to honor the families who have sacrificed so much for our nation.

We are proud to recognize the Krulak Marine Alliance of Alabama (KMAA) for once again stepping forward to sponsor tickets for 14 honored Gold Star and Fallen Warrior family members attending the local celebration of the 251st Marine Corps Birthday on November 6th!

Because of KMAA's generosity, these families will join us as honored guests while we remember their children's service, sacrifice, and enduring legacies.

KMAA is a veteran service organization rooted in Central Alabama with a statewide reach. Through initiatives like its annual Krulak Classic Charity Golf Tournament, KMAA raises critical funds to advance its mission of serving veterans, military families, and the broader community.

To our brothers and sisters at KMAA: Thank you for standing with these families and ensuring their loved ones are never forgotten.

🔗 Learn more about KMAA and its mission: https://krulakmarines.org/

10/17/2026

Today, we honor the life and service of Sergeant First Class Zachary Bannister, a warrior whose journey began with the Marine Corps in 2003 and carried him through both the Marines and the U.S. Army Special Forces.

From earning his high school diploma to attending Marine boot camp, Zachary lived with purpose. After his honorable Marine Corps service, he continued answering the call to serve—this time as a U.S. Army Green Beret.

As a Special Forces Weapons Sergeant with 3rd SFG, Zachary completed two combat deployments to Afghanistan and later deployed to Kenya, where he tragically passed away during a deployment to Africa.

Zachary’s life was defined by courage, resilience, and service to others.

“The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.” -Calvin Coolidge

Semper Fi, brother!

10/16/2026

WELCOME OUR NEWEST BRONZE LEVEL PARTNER!

Please join us in welcoming Hendrick Driven for Veterans as an official Bronze Level Partner for the local 251st Marine Corps Birthday Celebration!

This is a high-speed partner we're especially excited to have joining us!

Hendrick Driven for Veterans is committed to providing community services that benefit Veterans and their immediate family members. Their mission is rooted in action, service, and making a tangible difference in the lives of the military community.

On November 6, 2026, we will gather in Hoover, Alabama, to celebrate 251 years of Marine Corps history, honor military traditions, and recognize the men and women who have carried these traditions forward.

We are grateful to have another mission-driven organization standing alongside us!

🔗 Learn more about Hendrick Driven for Veterans:
https://hendrick-driven-for-veterans.square.site/

Visit their website, share this announcement, and help us recognize the organizations working every day to serve service members, veterans, and their families.

Thank you, Hendrick Driven for Veterans, for your continued partnership and for your commitment to the mission of service beyond the uniform!

10/13/2026

Happy birthday, U.S. Navy Team 🇺🇸

10/13/2026

WELCOME TO THE BOARD | BEAU BLOUIN

Central Alabama Marines-Council is proud to welcome Mr. Beau Blouin to our Board of Directors!

A U.S. Marine Corps combat Veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, Beau brings a distinguished record of military service, entrepreneurial leadership, and a deep commitment to strengthening Veteran-connected families and communities.

Currently serving as Vice President of the Florida Veterans Coalition, Beau helps lead statewide initiatives supporting Veterans, transitioning service members, and their families. His work focuses on connecting those who have served with the resources, opportunities, and community networks needed to thrive beyond military service.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Beau is a devoted father of four and a passionate advocate for children and families. His leadership reflects a commitment to faith, family, compassion, and the enduring responsibility to serve others.

As CAM-C continues to expand its reach and impact through leadership development, education, military and veteran advocacy, Beau's experience and perspective will be invaluable in helping guide our organization's next chapter.

Please join us in welcoming Beau to our team.

Semper Fidelis!

10/11/2026

Please join us in welcoming Alabama Marines Foundation as a Gold Level Partner ahead of the local 251st Marine Corps Birthday celebration!

Alabama Marines Foundation exists to support Marines, veterans, and their families across Alabama. They deliver community support through the following pathways:

👉Emergency Assistance Programs
👉Scholarship Programs
👉Military Grant Programs

They also co-host The Tuscaloosa Gauntlet, the south's premier military-style obstacle course race hosted. Learn more about the event on April 9-10, 2027, here: https://www.tuscaloosagauntlet.com/

As one of our oldest partners in regional community programming, they have stepped up once again. Thank you for your continued support of local service members, their families, and our gold star and fallen warrior families!

Learn more about their mission: https://alamarinesfoundation.org/

Semper Fidelis!

10/05/2026

MARINE MONDAY | OCTOBER 5th

On this day in 1945, Marine Captain Louis H. Wilson Jr. stood at the White House and received the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Guam.

At Fonte Hill in July 1944, Wilson led his Marines across exposed terrain under heavy enemy fire. Wounded three times, he returned to the fight, rescued a wounded Marine beyond the front lines and helped hold the position through hours of counterattacks.

Wilson went on to serve 38 years in the Marine Corps, eventually becoming its 26th Commandant.

After retiring, his story became connected to Alabama when Wilson and his wife moved to the Birmingham area to be near their daughter. He remained there until his death in 2005.

From the battlefields of Guam, to the highest office in the Marine Corps, to his final home in Alabama, General Wilson left behind a legacy of courage, leadership and service.

Today, we remember his story. Follow .alabama.marines as we continue the history, battles and stories that shaped the Corps.

Lead. Educate. Advocate. Preserve.