“Tut” Fann Veterans Home celebrating 17th year and helping preserve old soldiers’ mementoes

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — The Floyd E. “Tut” Fann State Veterans Home is celebrating its 17th year today by hosting a “Family Day”with some special events and guests.
Guest speakers for residents and families this morning were to include retired Army Brig. Gen. Bob Drolet, co-chairman of the Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial Board, and David Fann, son of the World War II veteran for whom the home at 2701 Meridian St. is named.

“Tut” Fann was a Huntsville native who served as a tank crewman during World War II and was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge. Upon his return to Huntsville, Fann became very involved in veterans organizations and efforts to support those who have served. Among other activities, Fann was a member of the State Board of Veterans Affairs and State Commander of the American Legion, according to a biography available from the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs web site.
“Before his death on April 17, 1992, Tut Fann was working diligently to establish a state veterans’ home in Huntsville so veterans in his hometown could receive medical care without moving far away from family and friends,” according to the site. “When the home was built in 1995, the State Board of Veterans Affairs approved the naming of the home the Floyd E. ‘Tut’ Fann Veterans Home.”

Representatives of the Huntsville Madison County Veteran’s Memorial will be at the Family Day Celebration collecting memorabilia from the Veteran’s Home residents and their families. These will be placed in the veteran’s memorial Time Capsule, which is to be buried at the memorial in November.

Memorial officials said all citizens of Madison County will also be able to contribute items for the capsule on Sept. 15 and 22 at Smith Storage, at the corner of Cook Avenue and Church Street in Huntsville. Information on additional collection dates will be announced.