The Gadsden-Etowah Patriots Association invites local residents on Nov. 6 to honor those who’ve given to their country or their community, and to recognize veterans, with the annual Patriots Day luncheon and Hall of Honor induction at The Venue at Coosa Landing, followed by the Veterans Day parade in downtown Gadsden.
This year’s Hall of Honor inductees are:
Michael A. Bolton
Michael A. Bolton was born and raised in Etowah County and has distinguished himself with two parallel careers in public service spanning several decades. He joined the U.S. Army in 1980 as a Military Policeman. He then served with the 3rd Battalion,15th Field Artillery Regiment, and then with the 1st Battalion, 20th Special Forces (Airborne). He was deployed for Operation Desert Storm, where he served as Chemical NCO of that Special Forces B Team. Bolton’s high level of performance during his 15 years of service led him to the rank of Staff Sergeant. His numerous military awards include National Defense Ribbon, Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Master Parachutist Badge among others. Parallel to his military career, Bolton served in the Gadsden Fire Department for 32 years, attaining the rank of Commander. He is a Nationally Registered Paramedic, a member of the Etowah County Special Operations Group (SWAT) and a tactical instructor. Bolton’s commitment to family, and his continued service in the Etowah County Sheriff’s office and as a former Deputy Coroner, underscores his dedication to community and service. Bolton currently serves as the Nuisance and Abatement Official for Rainbow City. He has two children and two grandchildren.
Master Sergeant (Ret) Lee Vadis Campbell
Master Sergeant (Ret) Lee Vadis Campbell is a lifetime resident of Etowah County. After being drafted into the United States Army in 1961, he served twenty-three years, distinguishing himself through three combat tours in Vietnam, three tours in Germany, an assignment to Fort McClellan where he trained Noncommissioned Officers and at Fort Jackson, South Carolina for four years as a Drill Sergeant. Following a final tour in Germany, Campbell retired in 1984. During his military career Campbell was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge and numerous other decorations and citations. After retirement from his military career, Campbell continued his life of service to his country and community while working for the Gadsden Board of Education as the custodian at Eura Brown Elementary School. There he gained the respect and affection of many administrators, teachers, parents and students. Campbell is the President of the Gadsden Horseshoe Club that hosts the State Championship every year. He was inducted into the Alabama Horseshoe Player Hall of Fame in 2014. Campbell’s wife is deceased, and he has one daughter who lives in Germany.
The Honorable Scott W. Hassell
The Honorable Scott W. Hassell is a lifelong resident of Etowah County. Prior to being elected as Judge of Probate for Etowah County in 2018, Hassell served in the Alabama National Guard as a Cavalry Scout for 14 years. He served one term as a Councilman for the City of Hokes Bluff, and worked with the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, culminating his 21 years of service there as the Chief of Corrections. He holds both undergraduate and advanced academic degrees including a PhD in cognitive and behavioral psychology. In 2024 Hassell was appointed to the Commission on Adult Guardships and Conservatorships by the Alabama Supreme Court. He developed the first long term therapeutic community treatment program located in a local detention center in the State of Alabama. In addition, he developed the MCAT (Mobile Crisis Assistance Team) that provides 24/7 emergency access to mental health services in the county. Hassell was key to the re-establishment of the American Legion Post #5 and instrumental to reviving the Veterans Memorial Park. He has over 35 years of ministry service and is currently the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Southside. Hassell and his wife Mindy have one son who is currently serving in the USAF.
Honorable Mayor Joe R. Taylor
Mayor Joe R. Taylor is a native of Etowah County. Taylor joined the US Army Reserve in 1980, serving in the 3rd Battalion,15th Field Artillery, and with the 1st Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He deployed to Operation Desert Storm, and after his return, served as the lead instructor for the NCO Professional Development Branch of the Army Reserve Forces School (US). He finished his military career as the Battalion Air Operations NCO for the 1st Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) as a Master Sergeant. His military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Reserve Component Overseas Ribbon, and Membership in the Order of Saint Barbara, with skills awards including Master Parachutist and Italian Jumpmaster Wings. Concurrently, Taylor served with distinction for 25 years with the Gadsden Fire Department, attaining the rank of Fire Commander. There he served as lead instructor during recruitment classes and was Vice President of the Professional Firefighters of Alabama. After leaving the fire service, Taylor continued in business but felt a calling back to public service. In 2020 he was elected as the Mayor of Rainbow City, Alabama, which has been recognized as the “Safest City in Alabama” for the last four years. He and his wife Rachel have four children and one granddaughter.
William Carl Monk Jr.
William “Bill” Carl Monk Jr. hails from Etowah County. In 1968 he joined the 152nd Armor Division of the Alabama National Guard, and was assigned to Company B in Heflin, Alabama. Monk spent 8 years in the Alabama National Guard serving as a Sergeant (E-5) Tank Commander, and in the Headquarters Company, Transportation Section. During this same period, after studying Criminal Justice at Gadsden State Junior College, he graduated from the Northeast Alabama Police Academy. Monk joined the Gadsden Police Department and was assigned to the Narcotics Squad, working undercover and confiscating large quantities of Marijuana, LSD and Heroin from drug dealers in both Etowah and DeKalb Counties. He served In the Gadsden Police Department for 14 years, working in the Patrol, Traffic and Detective Divisions. After his career in public service, he became a professional truck driver, working for Ryder Driving and Leasing, Paxair Industrial Gases and Etowah County School Bus Transportation. Monk is a member of the Gadsden/Etowah Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #2, and a board member of the Gadsden/Etowah Patriots Association. In 2019 he was awarded the Colonel Ola Lee Mize Spirit Award for procuring a Huey Helicopter for Patriots Park, at Noccalula Falls. Monk is now retired and lives in Gadsden with his wife Bobbie.
Association Chair Joyce Shelley said the program this year will feature a special performance of the Gadsden State Community College Show Band.
Doors will open at 11 a.m. and the program will begin at 11:45 a.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased from association members or call Joyce Shelley at 256-504-6917. The parade will begin at 1 p.m. For more information, contact Greater Gadsden Tourism at 256-549-0351.
