David W. Riley
US Army and US Coast Guard (Retired)
Jo Bonner
President of University of South Alabama
Lieutenant Colonel Robert F. Barrow,
United States Army, Retired
Lieutenant General Willie J. Williams,
United States Marine Corp, Retired
Master Gunnery Sergeant Cynthia L. House, USMC (Retired)
Honorable Bradley R. Byrne
Commander Pete Riehm, USN (Ret)
Captain Kathryn Hire, USN (Ret)
Sergeant Bill Atkeison, US Army
Vietnam Era Veterans
CPL Walter G. Ballard, US Army
Admiral Charles S. “Steve” Abbot, US Navy (Retired)
CAPT George E. Krietemeyer, USCG (Retired)
GEN Douglas M Frazer, USAF (Retired)
LTC Louis J. Lartigue, US Army (Retired)
Aviation Training Center, Mobile Sector Mobile Gulf Strike Team
Jim Jefferies, US Army
Admiral Thad W. Allen, USCG (Retired)
Seymour "Sy" Lichtenfeld, US Army
Maj Gen Carl H. McNair, Jr., US Army (Retired)
Mordecai "Mawk" Arnold, MAJ USMC (Retired)
James McEachin, US Army, USAR Ambassador
CDR Robert S. Edington, USNR (Retired)
CDR Lieutenant General Eric E. Fiel, Air Force
Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Fl
Joseph Birindelli, Jr., US Army (Retired)
Rear Admiral James Lloyd "Doc" Abbot, Jr., US Navy (Retired)
Patrick H. Downing, COL US Army (Retired)
Ann Margaret, Actress
Dr. Barry L. Booth, USN Veteran
Bob Riley, Governor of Alabama (2003 to 2011)
This award is presented in the name of Captain Hal Pierce who was a driving force in supporting the military and veterans in the Mobile Bay Area. Captain Hal was also known as "The Sea Lord of Mobile". The award is presented to deserving members of the community for their spirit of service, patriotism, love of community and love of country that Captain Hal Pierce exhibited throughout his entire life. This year, the Commission honors two worthy individuals:
Colonel Frank J. Calagaz, Jr. has distinguished himself by exceptional support of and dedication to our local veterans’ community. Frank served our country in the US Marine Corps and the Alabama Army National Guard for more than thirty-four years and was the recipient of the Alabama Distinguished Service Medal. After his military career, Frank continued to serve his country, his state, and his community through numerous veteran activities. Chief among these was serving in several positions of great responsibility in the South Alabama Chapter of the Military Officers association of America. He was also a life member of American Legion Post 3 and worked tirelessly for the resurrection and renovation that that historic Mobile post. Frank also served on the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Commission and was the Vice President responsible for the Patriot Dinner, an important part of Mobile’s commemoration of Veterans Day. Frank was proud of his military service and he was proud to be a veteran. He would do anything necessary to help a fellow veteran and his passing in December 2022 has left a giant hole in our veteran’s community.
Lynne Price has distinguished herself by exceptional support of and dedication to our local veterans' community. Lynne has been one of the most energetic champions of our veterans, enthusiastically supporting numerous organizations and projects. As the Administrator of the Mobile Council of the Navy League, she does the planning for every Navy League event and ensures all
logistical and operational support is provided. As a former USS Alabama Crewmate, Lynne has managed the Crewmate program for almost twenty years. This wonderful program is for young women to learn about the heritage of Alabama. Lynne plans all Crewmate activities which include, participating in the annual Veterans Day Parade, Flag Parade, Blue Star Salute, and visits to the William F. Green State Veterans Home. This year she took them to participate in the Governor's Inaugural Parade in Montgomery. Lynne is a member of the Executive Women International and has been a member of the Alabama Chapter of the Association for Fundraising Professionals. Whatever job has needed to be done to support our veterans, Lynne brought to it an unbounded initiative, versatility, and enthusiasm.