By DAISY WASHINGTON / Community Columnist

One might wonder what drives 79-year-old Marshall Goggins’ passion for soldiers.

“I just think that our veterans need to be remembered,” he says humbly, his voice cracking with emotion.

He wanted to enlist in the Air Force, but claims his “mother squawked him out of enlisting.”

Although he is not a veteran, Marshall Goggins has a brother who served in World War ll. Marshall has shaken the hand of more than 20,000 veterans and told them: “God bless you and thank you for what you have done.”

A photographer for nearly 30 years, Marshall designed a Photo Board to pay special tribute to fallen warriors.

The display contains the picture of every Alabamian that has died in service since 9/11.

The idea was the brainchild of a woman who lost her son in service and began collecting pictures of other soldiers who had also died.

Marshall has spent 300 man hours, adding images to his 218 faces exhibit.

Goggins is involved in numerous other military organizations and efforts, including Support Committee for the National Cemetery, Wreaths Across America and Blue Star Salute.

In collaboration with the Montevallo Evening Garden Club, Marshall gifted a Blue Star Salute monument in the Alabama National Cemetery.

The monument was gifted at his own personal expense as a tribute to the Armed Forces who have defended the United States.

In addition to the various military support interests, for the past three years Marshall has volunteered with Bus Road-E-O, the annual event which tests school bus drivers on a variety of skills.

He has frequently served on the team of judges for the event.

Born in the mining town of Marvel, Alabama, this 78-year-old is a strong supporter of the area’s historical preservation.

He is also a volunteer with the Shelby County Historical Society as well as a member of the Historical Commission of Montevallo.

Last but not least is Marshall’s involvement in the Pea Ridge Senior Club.

The 30 some attendees meet twice during the month to socialize, sing hymns and fellowship.

Started in the 1980s, the Club convenes in what used to be a schoolhouse which was constructed in 1936.

Marshall is married and is the father of two daughters.

He has logged 2,773 hours since becoming a RSVP member in 2009.