By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
The City of Athens recently put out a publication entitled The City Of Athens Voice: Serving More Than Our City, and it is a careful, thoughtful publication that does a solid job of saying thanks to the people who currently serve our city in a number of capacities. In this inaugural December 2025 edition, the first order of business was to make note of how many of our law enforcement officers, first responders, and other personnel have served in the military. Here is what it said:
More than 30 veterans and/or active military serve not only the City of Athens, but also our country. Several departments within the city have employees who have served in various branches of the military, some during wartime. Athens also has three elected officials who served in the military. Veterans Day may have passed at the time of this publication, but we are at the height of the holidays. May we all take the time to be thankful for our employees’ service, the service of those who are currently away from their families, and the service of all who serve in our military.
Mayor Ronnie Marks spent two years in the Army in the jungles of Vietnam and six years in the Guard. City Councilman Chris Seibert was serving in the Air Force in Europe the day that the Twin Towers were destroyed. City Councilman James Lucas was in Germany during the Cold War and the very beginning of the Vietnam War.
In addition to law enforcement and fire and rescue, there are people who have served who work for Gas, Water, Electric, CPR, HR, Sanitation, and Building. During storms, some of them are in just as much danger as being in a combat zone, maybe even more.
Not enough can be said to convey our thanks to our soldier-servants, and one of the things that happens in our town is that people actually write thank you notes to our first responders! How many cities or towns can say the same thing? Or, in other words, who DOES that?? If this season is all about gifts, giving, and the birth of the greatest Gift in the history of mankind, then it is only fitting to pass along the gratitude that has been expressed by intensely thankful people who have experienced our first responders in action.
Here is one of many sweet tastes of thanks from an Athenian who took the time and expended some energy to “put pen to paper,” albeit digitally:
I want to take a moment to recognize Athens Fire & Rescue, the Athens Police Department, and all the first responders who were on scene today at the accident on Hwy 31. I captured footage of the Jaws of Life being used during today’s incident involving a veteran. Out of respect for the individuals and families involved, I won’t be posting the video publicly. I do plan to share it directly with the departments so their teams receive the recognition they truly deserve. Watching the professionalism and compassion of everyone on scene, especially on Veterans Day, was truly inspiring. –from Jess Renee via Facebook 11/11/25
May this Christmas season and beyond serve to serve those who have served and are still serving, and from all of Athens-Limestone County, we bless all y’all!
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
