Alabama’s newest veterans home will be named for one of the state’s homegrown American heroes, the late Bennie Adkins. News of the honor was delivered Friday by the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs.
Adkins served in the United States Army for more than 20 years, holding the rank of command sergeant major at the time of his retirement. Included in his service were three non-consecutive tours in Vietnam.
It was for actions taken during one of those tours that Adkins was awarded the Medal of Honor by then-President Barack Obama in 2014.
Adkins’ official citation that accompanied his Medal of Honor reads in part: “When the camp was attacked by a large North Vietnamese and Viet Cong force in the early morning hours, Sergeant First Class Adkins rushed through intense enemy fire and manned a mortar position continually adjusting fire for the camp, despite incurring wounds as the mortar pit received several direct hits from enemy mortars. Upon learning that several soldiers were wounded near the center of camp, he temporarily turned the mortar over to another soldier, ran through exploding mortar rounds, and dragged several comrades to safety.”
Adkins passed away last year at the age of 86 after contracting COVID-19.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 2.7 million Americans served in Vietnam, with 258 earning a Medal of Honor.
Other honors earned during the Troy University graduate’s time of service include the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal and the Distinguished Service Cross among many others.
The veterans home will be located in Enterprise and cover approximately 182,000 square feet and house 175 residents. It is expected to employ 200 people during full operation.
RELATED: The incredible story of Bennie Adkins, Alabama’s Medal of Honor recipient
Tim Howe is an owner of Yellowhammer Multimedia
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