Mobile Courant

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has released a video honoring Sergeant Alvin Lynch of Muscle Shoals as the June “Veteran of the Month.” Excerpts from Senator Tuberville’s remarks were made available, highlighting Lynch's service and contributions.

“Born in Hamilton, Alabama, Alvin was drafted for the Vietnam War at age 21. He was deployed as part of the 82nd Airborne Division, participating in some of the most intense combat operations in Vietnam. Alvin was wounded in action and had multiple brushes with death," said Tuberville.

Tuberville recounted an incident where Lynch's decision to sleep on a small air mattress instead of on the ground saved his life. The mattress absorbed a piece of shrapnel from a nearby explosion. On another occasion, Lynch escaped a battle with a shoulder wound that required three weeks of hospitalization. He was one of the few men in his platoon to survive that encounter.

Lynch credits his survival to the prayers of his wife and local church members. For his heroism, he received several awards including a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

After returning home, Lynch has provided heating and cooling services to The Shoals region for over 40 years. In 1981, he began working at C & H Cooling and Heating, eventually purchasing the business with a friend in 2006. He continues to run it today.

"Alvin credits the military for teaching him discipline and how to deal with stressful situations that business owners often experience. But the most important thing Alvin took away from his time in the military is his faith and he does not shy away from sharing his testimony with others,” added Tuberville.

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.