Emeritus members

Background

John Robert Walker is a native of Birmingham and graduated from West End High School in 1948.  During High School, he first joined the Civil Air Patrol and then the Navy Reserve. He enlisted in the United States Air Force at 19 years old and was discharged in 1952 at the age of 23.  Walker then enrolled at the University of Alabama where he graduated with a Mechanical Engineering Degree in 1956.  John then joined U.S. Pipe and Foundry where he rose to the rank of Corporate Technical Director and retired in 1986 after over three decades of service. 

Service to the Blue Star Salute Foundation

John Walker was a founding member of the Blue Star Salute Foundation in 2005 and has served in many positions over these 17 years, including several terms as President.  Blue Star Salute’s initial focus was to present Blue Star Service Banners to soldiers, sailors, and airmen being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.  John has played an integral role in expanding the mission to include the Annual Blue Star Salute Event, honoring those fallen in military service through the Faces of the Price of Freedom Memorial, and fundraising for the Wreaths Across America at the Alabama National Cemetery.    

Other Volunteer Service

John’s volunteer efforts have included the Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery, American Legion, and Sons of the American Revolution; where he served as President of the Cahaba-Coosa Chapter. John also was a volunteer with the Shelby County Historical Society and has worked with the production team to author several history books.  John has been a member of RSVP since 2009 and is a recipient of the Gold and Lifetime Presidential Volunteer Service Award, and the RSVP Spirit Award.  

We are forever grateful for John's service to our country and the many veterans’ organizations he championed.  We pledge to ensure that his legacy never be forgotten.