MADISON – Stan Walker entered the U.S. Army in 1976.

In 1998, he retired from active duty, after reaching the rank of Sergeant, 1st Class (E7). He then worked as an investigator with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command.

Government officials “combined my service. I retired from civil service in 2013,” Walker said.

His first overseas assignment was in Korea. “I was a combat medic, and they moved us around, dependent on where we were needed. On DVM, I was assigned to First Battalion, Ninth Infantry,” Walker said.

He served during Desert Storm with First Cavalry in 1990. He also deployed for Operation Joint Endeavor in European campaign in Croatia and Bosnia with CID.

When Walker was deployed to Japan, a commanding officer reported a burglary. As a forensics examiner, he completed investigations of the crime scene.

In 2016, Walker was awarded the “Angels of the Battlefield” commendation. “One of the first people whose lives I saved was a white female who had tried to kill herself because she had been sexually assaulted. I gave her CPR,” he said. “Today, she is married with two children and living in Wisconsin.”

Every year, the 101st Airborne Unit conducts a ceremony to honor lives that U.S. military personnel have saved. Walker attends these events whenever possible to share life stories with his fellow paratroopers.

Walker has experienced some health problems and has had five surgeries since 2013. “I had half of my foot amputated. I can still ‘Moon Walk’ … but not very good,” he said.

Walker grew up in Chicago, Ill. He studied at Central Texas College.

In 2017, he attended the Veterans Day appreciation breakfast and service at Discovery Middle School. The respect and kindness of Discovery students impressed Walker so much that he gave most of his Army awards to the children.

“I’ve had great leaders in my military career. I tried to live and lead with that leadership philosophy,” Walker said.

Walker is a member of American Legion, Post 229 in Madison, Airborne Chapter for paratroopers and the Vulcan Chapter of the 82nd Airborne. He is affiliated with First Cavalry Association from Desert Storm. “I belong to Triple Nickel Association, the first and only African-American Airborne Ranger in the U.S. Army,” Walker said.

In addition, Walker has honored during the “Angels of the Battlefield” ceremony at Fort Campbell, Ky. “A Sergeant Major from Fort Campbell came down and drove me to the banquet,” he said.

Walker enjoys visiting Limestone County Flea Market. He also likes any opportunity to meet and talk with other veterans.

An avid fan of Crimson Tide football, Walker said, “You don’t have to be an Alabama fan to go to heaven — but don’t take the risk.”