U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is honoring March Veteran of the Month Harold Stanford of Barfield, recognizing decades of military service as part of his monthly tribute to Alabama veterans.

Tuberville released a video this week honoring U.S. Army Lt. Col. Harold Stanford as the March “Veteran of the Month.”

In remarks released alongside the video, Tuberville highlighted Stanford’s Alabama roots and his path into military aviation.

“Alabama is proud to be home to so many great veterans who have represented us well on the world stage,” Tuberville said. “That is certainly true for Lieutenant Colonel Harold Stanford of Barfield, Alabama. The Clay County native joined the Alabama Army National Guard while he was still in high school before going to Jacksonville State University and joining the ROTC unit there.”

“Harold’s Alabama training took him across the country, but one stop in Rockville, Maryland would chart the course for his nearly three-decade military career. While here, Harold helped protect our nation’s Capital and surrounding area during the Vietnam War. This was also where Harold took his first helicopter flight, and he decided that aviation was how he would use his gifts to serve our country. He became an Army pilot and served two tours in Vietnam in the 60s. His company became known as the ‘Rattlers.’”

“As his wife Martha says, ‘[Harold] had a very strong feeling of service to [his] country.’ Alabama is grateful for veterans like Harold who continue to put country and community above themselves. It’s my honor to recognize Harold Stanford as the March ‘Veteran of the Month.’”