Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
Hometown heroes will lead the way with a salute to service and a celebration of the holidays. The City of Millbrook and the Spirit of Christmas Committee has selected three distinguished gentlemen as the grand marshals for this year’s Spirit of Christmas Parade.
“It’s people like these three that help us to preserve our American way of life by their service in the military and the sacrifices that they’ve made. We’re happy and pleased that we can recognize them in this way, give them a little notoriety, and let them have a little fun. Who doesn’t like to ride in a parade?”
These three men gallantly fought for their country in some of the most treacherous conditions ever seen, making sacrifices most people could never dream of. World War II and Elmore County’s oldest known living WWII veteran James Owen Dozier, along with Korean War Veterans Rex Keith Snider, Sr. and Robert J. Magdon, Sr. will be leading the charge for the Spirit of Christmas this year in Millbrook’s annual Christmas Parade.
“The Grand Marshals are just a small piece that I was asked to help with because there’s so many moving parts to plan in this event. I’m just grateful because I’ve gotten to speak with Mr. Dozier, Mr. Snyder, and Mr. Magdon. They just don’t make them like this anymore. These three are phenomenal. They’re nice, they’re humble, and they’re so happy and proud that they were able to serve our country,” Spirit of Christmas Committee member and Millbrook’s economic developer Ann Harper said.
Harper confirmed that Dozier was drafted at 18 years old and served in the Army as an ambulance driver and a gunman in combat or a cannon crewman where he saw active combat in the Battle of the Bulge. One of the most horrific battles for American forces on the Western Front during the war.
Harper confirmed that he not only served in WWII, but Dozier also served in the Korean war before enlisting in the Army Reserves.
Snider enlisted in the Air Force at the age of 20 after graduating from the University of West Virginia with a degree in Military Science in 1956. Once in the military, Harper confirmed that Snider’s specialty was radar control where he served for one year in the Korean War as well as the Vietnam War.
Harper confirmed that one of his assignments while in Korea in 1957 and 1958, was to direct a children’s orphanage for children displaced by the war. The orphanage was called the Garden of Children Orphanage. Harper stated that Snider is really proud of this feat. Snider retired as a Lt. Col. from his military career.
Magdon joined the army in 1960, Harper confirmed. Magdon served three years active duty in the Army where his specialty was as a missile specialist. Because of his niche specialty, Magdon helped in the aftermath of the Korean War with his knowledge and expertise as a missile specialist.
The timeframe Magdon was in Korea was directly after the Korean War had ended, where tensions were high, and Americans did not receive a warm welcome. After his active-duty service, Magdon then went on to serve for multiple years in the Army reserves.
Now, the three gentlemen not only enjoy their families with each having grandchildren, great grandchildren, and Dozier with three great great grandchildren in his family.
“We want to honor them, and we know they’re super excited to be a part of the float and the Spirit of Christmas festivities. I’m so happy that the city and the Spirit of Christmas Committee decided to go patriotic for our Grand Marshals this year and recognize these three outstanding individuals because they are really are cool. I know they have stories to tell,” Harper said.
The parade rolls out at 2 pm on Main Street (SR-143) with Jamie Brown, Heart of Alabama Food Bank, serving as emcee. While the parade rolls at 2 p.m., other festivities start on December 5 where the City of Millbrook will start the Spirit of Christmas time with the annual tree lighting in Village Green Park at 6 p.m. There there is a 100% chance of snow.
Before the tree lighting there will be food trucks, photos with Santa and other shopping opportunities starting at 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. that night.
