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“Today is Memorial Day, a day of tribute. None of us would be here in this crowd today if not for the willing sacrifice of these brave souls.”

That’s what Keynote Speaker Ret. Chief Warrant Officer 5 Greg Turberville said to a good crowd during the Memorial Day Service today at the Veterans Monument in Atmore.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7016 and the American Legion Post 90 presented the service.

Turberville is an Atmore native. He graduated from Escambia County High School in 1979.

According to Atmore Advance archives, was awarded the Combat Action Badge; Master Army Aviator Wings; Air Assault Badge; Legion of Merit; Bronze Star; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism; Korea Defense Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; Saudi Arabia Kuwait Liberation Medal; Kuwait Liberation Medal. Turberville has also received the Joint Meritorious Award, Army Meritorious Unit Award, Army Supervisor Unit Award, Order of St. Michael (Bronze) Army Aviation Association of America and the Egyptian Air Force Aviator Badge.

“I’m proud of my family that raised me,” Turberville said. “I’m proud to call Atmore home.

“Thank you for allowing me the opportunity for sharing,” he said.

While gardening last week, Turberville thought about what he was going to say during the service. He is a return speaker after giving the keynote address at the same service in 2021.

“Metaphorically, consider our nation to be a garden,” he said. “It takes a lot to grow a nation. We are definitely a blessed people and nation.”

Turberville said we need to keep oriented of what brings everybody together to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the country.

“These Americans died in defense of a principle guaranteed to us all,” he said. “Be thankful for that. They fought and shed blood.”
Turberville said after the Memorial Day Service two years ago, someone asked him what was the scariest moment he experienced while serving.

“I paused at that moment,” he said. “My greatest fear was my potential failure to provide fire and air support to those who needed it.

“What I fear the most was failing to cover my fellow soldier’s back,” he added.

Turberville said being retired affords him the opportunity to wear his uniform.

“I wear my uniform today for those who couldn’t wear the uniform,” he said, adding that when the flag is folded for a fallen soldier and handed to their family, what’s said is poignant to Memorial Day. “‘Accept this flag on behalf of a grateful nation.’

“That’s why I had to be here today,” he said.

Turberville, a former aviator, lives in Enterprise, and is married to Kelly.

A wreath was placed to honor those who paid the ultimate price for the country; a brief history of Memorial Day was read; a memorial roll call; a fire team lead by Steve Reynolds and team; and sounding of “Taps” was played during the service.