BIRMINGHAM – A member of Pelham’s American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555 was honored as a Veteran of Influence by the Birmingham Business Journal at a ceremony held Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Harbert Center in downtown Birmingham.

Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry McClain was recognized at an award ceremony that consisted of networking and a fellowship breakfast with a speech from guest speaker, retired Lt. Col. Bruce Bright, President and CEO of Jefferson Title Corporation.

To be eligible for the award, the nominees must have made a significant difference in their career in the past year, must possess a strong record of innovation, must display outstanding performance in their work and be actively involved in the Birmingham area community. McClain excelled in meeting all the criteria, according to a news release.

McClain, 59, has spent the last eight years in the Birmingham area. A 25-year Army veteran who never stopped serving, McClain is many things: an Alabama native and an Army Ranger; a pastor and a patriot; a dedicated husband and loving father of five, a grandfather of 10. He is described as a “tireless volunteer and cheerful giver” of his time and talents to the community.

“Jerry is a natural leader who makes everyone around him better, enabling others with his strong positive attitude and infectious faith and optimism,” the release states. “Through his personal efforts, and the ripple effects of his leadership, he has touched lives at every stage: youth, educators, veterans, seniors and the homeless. His leadership has influenced numerous charitable, not-for-profit and faith-based organizations, and through his service in the chamber of commerce and Kiwanis, has impacted the Birmingham business community as well.

“As an Army Ranger, McClain committed his life to making our country safe. Today, he is equally committed to making our community better. I can think of no better example of what a citizen-soldier should be: a role model and teacher, a leader and servant, and a forceful advocate for those with needs.”