By DAISY WASHINGTON / Community Columnist

R. Glenn Nivens has devoted a lifetime of service to his country as a military soldier.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 17. He retired as a lieutenant colonel after serving 30 years as an infantry commander in Germany, Korea, France and two tours in Vietnam.

However, retirement did not end his service to his country. Nivens has devoted his time and support to over a dozen of military organizations.

Nivens is the founder of the Blue Star Salute Foundation, Inc., as well as its founding secretary and agent. He is also the founder and charter member of the local Sons of the American Revolution. He’s served on the Executive Committee for Birmingham Veterans Day; he has volunteered with American Vietnam Commemoration; Gold Star Salute; Veterans, 911 Summit, Wreaths Across America, just to name a few.

Membership in military associations include the Military Officers Association of America, Combat Infantryman’s Association, Vietnam Veterans Association of America, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Amvets, and Support Committee of the Alabama National Cemetery (Montevallo).

Nivens has been honored for his tireless work and endless devotion to serving the community.

He is a recipient of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Seven Seals Award.

He was awarded the Leo Thorsness Veteran Recognition Award by Boy Scouts of America and Distinguished Citizen Medal by Alabama Daughters of American Revolution.

In 2014 Nivens was inducted as a permanent member of the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame (SCHF).

Created by the Alabama State Legislature in 1983 to recognize citizens 50 and older who have contributed significant and extended service to older citizens, it is the SCHF’s highest award.

An RSVP member since 2009, as a volunteer he has driven a staggering number of miles (well over 100,000) on his vehicle at his own cost, logging over 20,000 volunteer service hours.

He was awarded the RSVP Gold and Lifetime Presidential Volunteer Service Award, the RSVP Spirit Award and Positive Maturity’s 50 over 50 Award.