Rep. Ealum urges Albany Tech students to take time to honor veterans

ALBANY — Albany Technical College held its annual Veterans Day program on Thursday. The keynote speaker for the ceremony was state Rep. Darrel Ealum.

Ealum and his family have a strong connection to the military, especially the Marine Corps.

Ealum served 20 years as a Marine infantry officer, reconnaissance officer, logistics officer, aviation observation officer and program manager, Norway Air-Landed Marine Expeditionary Brigade. His twin brother, Carrel, was killed in Vietnam.

“Veterans Day is a time for our nation to formally thank our veterans, and that’s extremely important.,” Ealum said. “My twin brother was killed in Vietnam. During that time, a large segment of our society was unthankful for the ultimate price he paid. I hope we never go back to that time.”

As a young Marine captain in 1980, Ealum was assigned to Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany, where he and his wife, Linda, settled. Married 35 years, the couple have four children — Lydia, Jo, Susie and James — and eight grandchildren. Jo and Susie Ealum served four years each as active-duty Marine officers and are presently Marine captains in the inactive and active reserves.

Darrel Ealum was introduced to the gathering by his daughter, Jo.

“The message I wanted to leave people with, especially the students, is to appreciate and honor veterans of our nation’s military,” Ealum said. “Many of our vets paid a steep price in the service of our nation. They are the reason we enjoy the freedoms we now have. To our youth, I say never forget to thank a veteran. Because of them, we are free. Because of them, we live in the most advanced society in the history of mankind. Secondly, if possible, always serve in some capacity. You will never regret having served your country.

“(Veterans) are worthy of honor and respect.”

Elected to represent Georgia House District 153 in 2014, Ealum holds a master’s degree from Pepperdine University and is Chief Executive Officer of Ealum Estates Inc. He also taught as an associate professor at Miami University and served on the Dougherty County School Board for four years.

On Friday, Sherwood Christian Academy will hold its annual Veterans Day event Friday as students honor all who have served the country.

The event is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m at Sherwood Baptist Church. The public is invited.