Thomas Alton Monty Hall

Their Story

Thomas Alton Monty Hall (known as “Monty” to family and friends) was born on the 18th of June 1967 in Shreveport, Louisiana. His parents were his namesake Thomas Alton Hall and his wife Brenda Hall. Hall served in the United States Army for 15 years, taking part in the Persian Gulf and Iraq conflicts.^[1] During his service in the US Army, Hall’s dedication and tenacity would have him retiring as a highly decorated sergeant; Hall achieved the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal.^[2]

Hall was awarded the Army Commendation Medal as a sign of his heroism while serving in the Persian Gulf and Iraq. According to the Medals of America Military Blog, the Army Commendation Medal was, “Originally instituted in 1945 as a commendation ribbon, the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) was later redesignated as a medal in 1960. The military ribbon and medal are awarded to members of the Army for heroism, meritorious achievement, or service, as well as friendly foreign military members after 1962.”^[3] The fact that Hall achieved the medal is a marker of the heroism that he displayed throughout his service.

Hall was awarded the Army Achievement Medal as a result of meritorious service in non-combat situations in the US Army. According to the Home of Heroes military history website, the Army Achievement Medal is, “Awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a non-combat area on or after 1 August 1981, distinguish themselves by meritorious service or achievement.”^[4] Having been awarded this medal in addition to the Army Commendation Medal, Hall displayed not only heroism on the battlefield, but also a commitment to the hard work asked of a soldier in the day-to-day rigors of Army life.

Hall displayed a dedication to cooperation and teamwork in being awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal. According to the military information website Military-Ranks.org, “The Joint Service Achievement Medal was established by Secretary of Defense Caspar W. Weinberger in 1983. It is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of O-6 who, while assigned to a joint activity, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service.”^[5] This means that Hall showed meritorious service while working in a joint operation between the US Army and another branch of service. This sort of teamwork between the different branches of the Armed Forces is a critical factor in the success in the US Military. In achieving this award, Hall showed that he understood this truth and strived to see it accomplished with his actions.

After retiring from the Army, Hall would serve on the Louisiana State University Shreveport Police Department, as a guard on the Rock Island Arsenal, and finally as a police officer at the Coal Valley, IL, Police Department. Hall loved bodybuilding, drag racing, and working on cars. Hall was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, showing a commitment to American history education and veterans’ assistance in his community, “SAR is very active in supporting active-duty military personnel and assisting veterans as well. We proudly assist classrooms with living history interpreters, lesson planning materials and reenactment events.”^[6]

Hall sadly passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at Heartland Health Care Center in Moline, IL. Hall was survived by “the love of his life” Kara, and their many children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews. According to Hall’s obituary, “Above all else, family was the most important thing to Monty, especially traveling and being with his wife and kids.”^[7]