Emeritus members
This Emeritus Members Page was created by a Proclamation on 10 February 2022 to Honor those Founding and Sustaining members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. John Walker was the first Emeritus Member and was moved to the Blue Star Roll of Honor following his death on 06 April 2024.
Robert "Glenn" Nivens
Background
Robert Glenn Nivens is a native of Chelsea, Alabama. He enlisted in the United States Army as a private at the age of 17 in 1956 and retired, on 01 May 1986, as a lieutenant colonel with 29 years of service. He served as an infantry commander in Germany, Korea, France and two tours in Vietnam. He received the Meritorious Service medal from the Department of the Army, the Combat Infantry badge, the Bronze Star medal and Army Commendation medal. Nivens has given his life to serve his country both as a career military soldier and in retirement.
Service to the Blue Star Salute Foundation
Glenn was the founding Secretery and Agent of the Blue Star Salute Foundation in 2005 and continued in that role until 2018. He continues to serve as a mentor and keeps abreast of our projects and efforts and has become the face of our American250 initiative. Blue Star Salute’s initial focus was to present Blue Star Service Banners to soldiers, sailors, and airmen being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Glenn 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
Glenn’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. Nivens was inducted as a permanent member of the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame and was presented with a Hall of Fame medal and certificate signed by Gov. Robert Bentley. He was awarded the Leo Thorsness Veteran Recognition Award by Boy Scouts of America and Distinguished Citizen Medal by Alabama Daughters of American Revolution.
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.
Robert "Glenn" Nivens Photo Gallery
