Columbia Honors Medal of Honor Hero Who Gave His Life at Iwo Jima

Issue #366

28 Feb

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

⛅️ Columbia’s Friday Weather - Mostly cloudy w/ high of 54 & low of 26

📰 Columbia Honors Medal of Honor Hero Who Gave His Life at Iwo Jima

🚒 New Fire Training Center to Provide Advanced Rescue Simulations in Spring Hill

🚨 Sobriety Checkpoint Tonight 

👮‍♀️ March 8th: Cops & Coffee

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Saturday, March 1st

Sunday, March 2nd

*More events coming soon!

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Columbia Honors Medal of Honor Hero Who Gave His Life at Iwo Jima

From City of Columbia, TN - Government’s post…

Today, the City of Columbia gathered to honor a true hero, John Harlan Willis, on the 80th anniversary of his ultimate sacrifice. A wreath-laying ceremony at the John Harlan Willis Bridge Memorial paid tribute to his extraordinary courage during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.

Born and raised in Columbia, John Harlan Willis enlisted in the Navy in 1940 and landed on Iwo Jima as a rifle company platoon corpsman in February 1945. On February 28, while helping fallen Marines near Japanese-held Hill 362, he was wounded but returned to the frontlines to continue assisting the injured. As he treated a wounded Marine, the enemy attacked with hand grenades. Willis heroically threw eight grenades back at the enemy, but tragically, a ninth exploded in his hand, killing him.

For his incredible bravery, Willis was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His story is one of selflessness and unwavering courage, a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

John Harlan Willis will forever be a hero, and Columbia is proud to call him one of our own.

New Fire Training Center to Provide Advanced Rescue Simulations in Spring Hill

Spring Hill city leaders have approved the construction of a modern fire training center to enhance safety and ensure first responders are well-prepared. The new facility, located on city-owned land near the Public Works Department, replaces a small, outdated training area and comes with a $350,000 investment.

The expanded complex will allow for multiple training exercises to take place simultaneously, significantly improving efficiency. It will feature specialized areas for self-contained breathing apparatus training, structural firefighting, fire dynamics, and vehicle rescue scenarios.

A key highlight of the project is the 49-foot fire training tower, designed to support rope rescues, elevator shaft emergencies, and multi-level fire attack simulations. With several high-rise buildings planned for Spring Hill, this addition ensures firefighters are equipped for a range of urban rescue challenges.

The new training center is also expected to enhance recruitment, making Spring Hill a more attractive destination for firefighters seeking a well-rounded department with advanced training resources.

Construction is set to begin this month, with completion anticipated by summer.

Sobriety Checkpoint Tonight

In compliance with a Tennessee Supreme Court ruling for all law enforcement to notify the public of when and where a roadblock will be held, the Tennessee Highway Patrol is advising all motorists of the following upcoming checkpoints. The courts require proof roadblocks are conducted in the best interest of overall public safety and THP’s checkpoint times and locations are strategically selected through crash and crime data collection to maximize their overall effectiveness and efficiency.

The next sobriety checkpoint will take place on February 28, 2025, at 10 pm on State Route 50 East .2 miles east of the 19 mile marker in Maury County.

Troopers will evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment and take corrective actions for other violations observed while ensuring the protection of all motorists. The Tennessee Highway Patrol recognizes that sobriety checkpoints are highly visible and an effective tool in the battle against impaired driving.

March 8th: Cops & Coffee

Save the Date for Cops & Coffee! 

The Spring Hill High School Criminal Justice Club invites you to a special event to show appreciation for local law enforcement officers! Enjoy a day filled with coffee, donuts, food, family fun, and first responders!

Date: Saturday, March 8th

Time: 10 AM - 2 PM

Location: 1 Raider Ln., Columbia, TN 38401

Interested in becoming a vendor? Contact us at [email protected].

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, February 28th

Yonder Grove, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Hobo Cane, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Jacob Frish, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, March 1st

Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Bella Lam & Company, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Nashville Yacht Club Band, The Mulehouse, 8 PM

Sunday, March 2nd

Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

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