BIRMINGHAM  – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama is proud to recognize retired United States Army Green Beret Justin Self as our Hometown Hero. The United States Attorney’s Office welcomed Special Agents in Charge from the United States Army OIG, United States Marshals Service, United States Secret Service, leadership from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Mayor of Homewood at the ceremony celebrating Sergeant Self.

The Hometown Hero award commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. It honors the enduring ideals of Liberty, Service, and Civic Responsibility. This award is given to a Hometown Hero who has displayed a steadfast commitment to these ideals and an embodiment of the spirit upon which our Nation was founded.

“We are so proud to honor Sergeant Self as our Hometown Hero for his service to his country and community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine Crosby. “Sergeant Self is the best among us. Because of his service, and others who joined him, the United States has enjoyed 250 years of Freedom. We applaud Sergeant’s Self’s bravery, service, and commitment to keeping our communities safe.”

Sergeant Self joined the United States Army as an 11B (Infantryman) in 1998. After graduating from basic training and Airborne school he joined the Army Special Forces where he earned his Green Beret as a Weapons Sergeant. Sergeant Self was deployed to Afghanistan from August 2002–2003 and again from October 2007–2008. He also deployed to Iraq in January 2011 for nine months. During his 20-year career with the 20^th Special Forces Group based out of Alabama, Sergeant Self conducted numerous Joint Combined Exchange Trainings (JCETs) in Central Africa and Eastern Europe. He completed numerous schools while in the Army, including Jumpmaster, Rappel Master, FRIES Master, and Sniper School. For his exemplary service, Sergeant Self received many awards, including two Bronze Star Medals.  He retired from the Army in May 2018.

Sergeant Self has also served his community as a police officer for 24 years and is currently the supervisor of the Homewood Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit. He is the Team Sergeant for the Tactical Team, and has served as a Patrol Officer, Street Crimes Task Force member, and Tactical Team Officer.  He also spent nearly eight years as Homewood’s Training Sergeant.