Colonel Ola Lee Mize Honored as the Guntersville VA Clinic is Officially Renamed

The ceremony honored one of Alabama’s most decorated heroes and Medal of Honor recipients, whose life of service and accomplishments continues to inspire generations.

Despite the rising heat, Veterans, family members, civic leaders, and members of the public stood proudly as the clinic unveiled Colonel Mize’s name across its entrance. Two additional bronze plaques were installed, one on the exterior and another inside the building, along with historic photographs, his Medal of Honor citation, and pictures of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, as he receives the nation’s highest award for valor.

Colonel Mize was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Korean War.  Mize, who died a little more than a decade ago at the age of 82, was equally renowned for his decades of service in Vietnam and his leadership in developing U. S. Army Special Forces.

A Family’s Pride and Gratitude

At 88, Ms. Betty Mize, the colonel’s widow, attended the ceremony with her family. Struck by emotion, she reflected on the importance of the moment. 

“I am so appreciative of what everyone has done. It took a lot to do this, and I am thankful,” she said. “Lee was a character and a loving man. He loved his family and grandchildren. He was so grateful before he died, just before our 60th wedding anniversary.”

Ms. Mize added that she hopes every Veteran who walks through the clinic will know about her husband’s love for his country. 

“I hope the Veterans who visit here read about him and know he loved his country. He wanted to help Veterans, and he would be very honored that someone might be influenced at all by his name on this building.”

Leaders Reflect on Mize’s Legacy

The dedication ceremony was attended by federal, state, and local leaders who emphasized the significance of what renaming the clinic meant for the community.

Dr. Ladi Kukoyi, Executive Director of the Birmingham VA Health Care System said, “I’m proud that this clinic, which is part of our network serving Veterans across Central and Northern Alabama, will now bear the name of Colonel Mize. His courage, determination, and service reflect the very best of Alabama and this nation. Renaming this clinic in his honor ensures that his bravery, sacrifice, and advocacy for others will always be remembered. Every Veteran who walks through these doors will now see his name and know they are standing on the shoulders of a hero.”

Congressman Robert Aderholt, who introduced the bill signed into law last November, expressed his gratitude:

“This clinic now bearing Col. Ola Lee Mize’s name will always be a reminder of the fact that freedom has a cost and those who pay the price deserve not only our gratitude but our action. And by placing his name here, we commit to serving Veterans with the devotion and honor that Col. Ola Lee Mize showed his fellow soldiers and this nation.”

A Lasting Tribute

The Colonel Ola Lee Mize VA Clinic dedication emphasized that today’s American freedoms are due to sacrifices by heroes like Mize. 

As the bronze plaque glistened in the Alabama sun, Ms. Mize summed it up with quiet strength: “Have the building bear his name is overwhelming.”