Photo By Kayla Barrett | Staff Sgt. James Hunter Griffin, a squad leader and senior mechanic with the 123rd...... read more read more
ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. - The sights inside Anniston Army Depot's combat rebuild and overhaul facility looked familiar to Staff Sgt. James Hunter Griffin So did the people.
Years after working at ANAD as a civilian employee, Griffin returned in uniform as a Soldier with the 123rd Classification and Inspection Company, reconnecting with the coworkers and workspace that helped shape his path.
“It feels like coming home,” Griffin said.
Before serving with the Alabama National Guard, Griffin spent four years working inside ANAD's rebuild and overhaul facility, supporting maintenance operations on combat platforms including the Abrams tank, Paladin and Assault Breacher Vehicle systems.
The experience left more than technical knowledge. It helped shape the leadership and work ethic he carries with him today as a squad leader and senior mechanic. “Safety was something that was instilled in us every day," Griffin said.
Now serving as a wheeled vehicle mechanic, Griffin leads Soldiers responsible for maintaining readiness and ensuring each mission is completed to standard. Former coworkers said the leadership qualities he demonstrates today were visible years ago on the depot floor.
“He was a team player and was always helping where he could,” said Kenneth Langley, a former coworker.
Langley said Griffin took pride in his work and consistently supported those around him.
“He was always in a good mood and loved his job,” Langley said. “It does not surprise me that he became a squad leader because he was always going above and beyond in his work.”
For many former coworkers, seeing Griffin return to ANAD in uniform carried a sense of pride.
“I was glad to see he was doing well and proudly serving our country,” said Benjamin Freeman, who met Griffin during his annual training at ANAD.
Freeman described Griffin as “an outstanding guy” and said meeting Soldiers like Griffin serves as a reminder of the impact the depot's work has on those serving in uniform.
Reconnecting with former coworkers and walking through familiar shops gave the visit a deeper meaning for Griffin.
“It feels normal being back here,” he said.
For Griffin, returning to ANAD was more than a visit. It was a full-circle moment where past experiences and present service met on familiar ground.
| Date Taken: | 05.18.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 07.30.2026 12:50 |
| Story ID: | 571024 |
| Location: | ANNISTON, ALABAMA, US |
| Web Views: | 12 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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