Hometown Heroes

LCPL Kelson Epperson is 19 years old and serving his 2nd year in the Marines. He decided to join the military when he was in the 3rd grade and he learned about the terrorist attacks on 9/11. Growing up, his mother Lashonda Goins, said he never strayed from his chosen path and when he turned 17, he joined the Marines...

Staff Sgt. Brant Merriam lives in Northport with his wife Jen and three children. Brant has served in the Alabama National Guard since August 2007 and served in the Navy Reserves from 2004 until 2007. In June of last year, Sgt. Merriam was deployed overseas with Bravo Company 1/167th Infantry out of Pelham and is currently stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan...

Senior Master Sgt. Bobby Taylor was born in 1959 and served in the United States Navy from 1977 to 1980. He then served active duty in the Navy until 1982.

This week's Hometown Hero,Staff Sergeant Jared Olvey, has served in the Alabama National Guard for over 13 years and is currently stationed overseas in Afghanistan with B Company 1-167 Infantry out of Pelham, Alabama. When not on active duty, he serves and protects the citizens of Tuscaloosa as a member of the Tuscaloosa Police department...