DEDICATED SERVICE

Story by LISA SAVAGE

Adorned with medals and ribbons, Eric Dudash looked distinguished as he stood in his Air Force dress blues before a group of business leaders.

As he shared stories of his 30-year military career, he mentioned that the room was getting hot, and removed his jacket. Underneath, the sleeves of his crisp white shirt were torn off at the shoulder, and the lower part of his tie was tattered. “I can look good on the outside,” he says, “but that doesn’t expose what’s happening on the inside.”

Eric retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2018 as a chief master sergeant and now shares the struggles he faced with others. He dedicates his time speaking to school groups and business leaders, and working as an advocate for all veterans. His dedication earned him the 2022 Alabama Veteran of the Year award, presented in November by Gov. Kay Ivey.