Red, White & You: Honoring Alabama’s Military Heroes

Alabama has a storied tradition of military service, with countless individuals dedicating their lives to protecting our nation. While words can't fully capture the immense gratitude we feel for our servicemen and women, Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to highlight a few remarkable veterans and active-duty military members from our state. Read about their stories below, and if you know a military hero who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you! Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll take care of the rest.

1. Romay Davis (1919-2024)

A Montgomery resident and centenarian, Romay Davis served in the all-Black 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. Her unit processed nearly 18 million pieces of backlogged mail in Europe, ensuring soldiers received vital correspondence. In 2022, she received the Congressional Gold Medal and the National WWII Museum’s Silver Service Medallion. After the war, Davis pursued a career in fashion design, earned a master’s degree in education and worked at Winn-Dixie until age 101. Before her passing in 2024, she attended the opening of the new Women's Service exhibit at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans—which featured her own experiences. Read more here.

2. Spc. Travis Parker

Born in Montgomery, Specialist Travis Parker served as a medic and bandsman at Fort Rucker during the Vietnam era. Since his discharge, he has become a cornerstone of veteran advocacy in the Wiregrass region, founding the Coffee County Veterans Organization and leading efforts like "Flags for Forgotten Soldiers." Parker has received numerous honors, including the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award, and continues to support veterans through initiatives like Guitars for Vets. Read more here.

3. CW4 Michael J. Novosel Sr. (1922-2006)

A legend in Army Aviation, CW4 Michael J. Novosel Sr. flew over 2,500 medevac missions in Vietnam, rescuing more than 5,500 wounded soldiers, often under heavy fire. His most celebrated mission on October 2, 1969, lasted 18 hours and involved six returns to a hostile landing zone where he was wounded but still saved 29 men, earning him the Medal of Honor. Novosel's military service spanned World War II, Korea and Vietnam; his remarkable story includes extracting his son from enemy territory, only to be rescued by him a week later. In 2023, Fort Rucker was renamed Fort Novosel in his honor, ensuring his legacy lives on in Alabama and beyond. Read more here.

4. Sandra Lucas

This April, Sandra Lucas made history as the first woman appointed Deputy Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. A veteran of both the U.S. Navy and the Alabama Army National Guard, Lucas brings over 20 years of combined military service and public affairs experience to the role. Her career includes deployments to Guantanamo Bay and Afghanistan, as well as leadership roles in state government and the Alabama National Guard. Prior to this appointment, she served as ADVA’s Assistant Commissioner of Outreach and Engagement. Lucas says she’s proud to continue serving Alabama’s 400,000 veterans in this new capacity. Read more here.

5. Nicholas Morgan

A decorated U.S. Air Force veteran and University of Alabama Online graduate, Nicholas Morgan was awarded the 2023 Legendary Service Award for his outstanding military service and community impact. Enlisting in 1999, Morgan rose to the rank of senior airman and served across South Korea, South Africa and the Middle East, earning a V Device for valor in combat and multiple commendations. Despite his busy schedule as a full-time worker and father of three, Morgan actively volunteers with nonprofits like HopeLink and Project 150, helping underserved communities in Las Vegas. Read more here.

Do you know a veteran or active military member who deserves recognition? We’d love to hear their story! Click here to nominate them for a chance to be featured on Patch!