POWERGRAMS

8 Although his stint in the Air Force as a young man lasted only four years, Eric Frye's passion for serving the nation and those who protect it remains strong. Today, he volunteers about 300 hours a year in support of his country through his local American Legion post. "I come from a long line of people who served in the military," said Frye, construction equipment operator at Alabama Power's Warehouse and Hauling Headquarters at the General Services Complex. He said supporting the American Legion "is basically my way of continuing to honor the brothers and sisters who helped pave the way for me. They've earned it." Frye said joining the military is a family tradition. His grandfather served in World War II and Korea, and his dad and uncle in Vietnam. Following in their footsteps, Frye pre-enlisted in the Air Force during his junior year at Warrior High School and aer graduation in 1987, was dispatched to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio for basic training. He was then sent to Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado, where he trained to become an F-15 armament munitions specialist. Aer completing technical training, Frye, who rose to the rank of sergeant, spent most of his military career at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. As a member of the 59th Armament Munitions Unit, he helped load weapons, including Gatling guns and air-to-air missiles, on F-15 aircra as part of training missions for possible combat. In 1989 he was sent overseas for a month-long training exercise at Kunsan Air Base in Korea. "It was like being in a MASH unit," Frye said. "It was in the middle of winter, and there were eight of us in a tent that was heated with a wood stove. We had to take turns keeping the stove stoked and lit." Frye was deployed overseas once again in October 1990 when his unit was dispatched to Incirlik Air Base in Turkey during Operation Desert Shield, which the U.S. launched in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. He was part of a three-member crew who loaded live ammunition and weapons onto airplanes. Frye said his unit was recognized as the most decorated air-to-air combat wing during Desert Shield, with 16 confirmed shootdowns of enemy aircra. His three-man team was also nominated Load Crew of the Year. "That was a big honor for me because it showed we were one of the best there was," Frye said. Aer six months in Turkey, Frye's tour of duty in the military ended. He held several jobs before he began working on a highline construction crew at Alabama Power. Frye said it was almost by chance that he got the job. "I was looking in the Thriy Nickel newspaper for a boat, and I saw an ad for a utility assistant at Alabama Power," said Frye, noting that he decided to send the company a copy of his résumé. "When I was hired, they said I was the only one who responded to that ad." A CONTINUING COMMITMENT In 2016, Frye learned of an opportunity to demonstrate once again his support of the military and his country. "My dad and I visited the Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall when it came to Fultondale, and while we were there I picked up some information about the American Legion." About a year later, Frye helped start a new American Legion post in Hueytown. It is designated American Legion Post 1228 in honor of the community's most well- known citizens, the late Bobby and Davey Allison. "We thought it was only appropriate to dedicate our post to Bobby and Davey Allison by using their racecar numbers, 12 and 28," said Frye, who has been post commander for four years. Frye said the post's primary role is assisting veterans and answering their questions about the benefits available to them. Members also visit schools to educate youth about the proper care of the American flag, including how to raise and lower it, and how to dispose of it when it becomes "unserviceable." Alabama Power employee continues to serve long after leaving the military American Legion commander Frye. Frye rose to the rank of sergeant during his Air Force career.

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