We are proud to honor Veteran Terry Fortune, a man shaped by a proud family tradition of service. His grandfather served in World War I, his uncles in World War II, and his father spent 21 years in the U.S. Navy, including two deployments to Vietnam. Originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, Terry has called Fulton home for the past 45 years.
Terry joined the U.S. Army in August 1974 and completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He then spent two years stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. In 1977, he joined the Mississippi National Guard, serving with the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team. He was activated three times, including during Operation Desert Storm and again during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005. After six months in Iraq, Terry returned home on emergency leave when his wife, Teresa, was diagnosed with breast cancer. He retired from the National Guard in August 2005 after 25 years of dedicated service.
In addition to his military career, Terry served 38 years in law enforcement with Itawamba County, the City of Fulton, and Itawamba Community College, retiring in May 2018. Today, he continues serving his community as Quartermaster for the John Ralph Wood VFW Post 4976 in Fulton.
Terry and his wife, Teresa, have been married for 42 years and raised two sons, Dustin and Matthew. Their family's commitment to service continues, with a daughter-in-law currently serving in the miliary.
Terry Fortune has served his country, his community, and his family with great distinction. We are deeply grateful for heroes like him.
