Veterans John Trottr ('09), David Cox ('07), Roy Spann ('08) and Lonnie Wadsworth ('03) were all named Alabama Veterans of the Year in the past.

Springville veterans gathered together with friends and family at the Springville United Methodist Church Tuesday night to commemorate Veterans Day and recognize local veterans for their service and dedication to their country.

“This is the sixth year we’ve done this, and the program has really grown,” Springville councilman John Coyne said.  Coyne, also an Air Force veteran of 26 years, puts the event together every year.  “I want to do my part and thank [the veterans] for their service to our country.  So many of our veterans need to be recognized because they’ve been overlooked after coming back from serving.”

The program opened with a ceremonial lining of the flags followed by a dinner reception and presentation made by the National Guard.  The Springville Café along with the local Waffle House served veterans and their families a dinner of meatloaf, chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner roles and desserts.  

The National Guard shared stories about the changes and growth they continue to make as they work to protect their country.  Veterans learned about their practices and efforts in immediate response capabilities in emergency situations to meet needs here on the home front, partnership programs and the history behind the National Guard.  Veterans also learned about ways this branch of the military works in the community.  The National Guard has an annual economic impact of $105.5 million.

Attendees included community leaders like members of the St. Clair County Commission and Alabama Representative Jim McClendon, who demonstrated their support for the veterans in Springville.

“It’s impossible to realize how much the experience of serving your country completely changes you,” Representative McClendon said, “But it really does change a person.”

During the festivities each branch of the military was recognized for their efforts and service.

“We need to realize we wouldn’t be here if it were not for these veterans,” Coyne said.

The program was put together through the efforts of volunteers.  Boy Scouts worked in every facet, from assisting with unloading equipment, serving food, participating in flag ceremonies to cleanup.  Linda Lee provided decorations for the festivities.

“It’s definitely a community-wide effort and it’s good that veterans are recognized, Korean veteran John Trotter said.  “John Coyne puts this together out of the goodness of his heart, and it’s definitely worth it for everybody involved.”