Sen. Tommy Tuberville names Foley man veteran of the month

By KARA MAUTZ
Reporter
kara@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 3/22/23

Jimmy Sullivan was recently honored as Veteran of the Month by U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, making him the second veteran chosen for the designation in the senator's new program.

"For some …

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Sen. Tommy Tuberville names Foley man veteran of the month

Posted

Jimmy Sullivan was recently honored as Veteran of the Month by U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, making him the second veteran chosen for the designation in the senator's new program.

"For some veterans, serving their community meant forgoing their own dreams so that millions of Americans would have the opportunity to pursue theirs," Tuberville said in a video dedicated to Sullivan.

According to Sullivan's son-in-law, Cory Brown, that remains true for his father-in-law.

"He was a star linebacker in high school and had a scholarship offer to the University of Alabama but turned it down to serve in the Vietnam War," Brown said. "He really is the most unassuming person in the world. He always puts his family first so seeing him have the spotlight for once was amazing."

Brown said it was originally his idea to have Sullivan honored as a part of the Veteran of the Month series and kept it a secret from Sullivan until the video premiered on March 6.

"We kept it a secret all the way through, and when it was released, we went over to his house and showed it to him on TV for the first time," Brown said. "We were all emotional seeing it, and we all shed a few tears, especially seeing everyone sharing it on social media."

Sullivan said he was shocked when his family told him he had been chosen, but it was a special day surrounded by friends and family.

"I was so surprised, but I'm just glad I could serve my country," Sullivan said. "My family means everything to me, and my wife is in bad health right now. My family really enjoyed the video. It really is an honor, and I want to thank Senator Tuberville for choosing me."

Sullivan said he served in the Vietnam War for two years before he was injured and was medically discharged.

"I was sent to Japan to let my bones heal, and then I was sent to Pensacola before moving back to Mobile," Sullivan said. "When I got to the airstrip, they flew me by this doctor, and he stopped my stretcher and asked if I believed in God. He told me that's the only reason that I stayed alive, and the bullet that hit me should have killed me."

Sullivan said after moving back to Mobile that he became a devout Christian and married his wife, a preacher's daughter.

"When you fight in a war and you see your buddies get killed, it is a hard thing," Sullivan said. "War is an ugly thing, but I love my country and I was doing what I thought was right. I remember hearing God calling out to me, telling me to turn around before I was shot. He was so good to me and I thank God for every breath I take."