Columbia Post Office Could Be Renamed for Medal of Honor Recipient

Issue #630

December 18, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

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📰 Columbia Post Office Could Be Renamed for Medal of Honor Recipient

📰 Columbia State Awarded $2 Million Grant

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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Columbia Post Office Could Be Renamed for Medal of Honor Recipient

A proposal filed this week could soon rename Columbia’s U.S. Post Office in honor of a local Medal of Honor recipient who gave his life during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) has introduced legislation to rename the post office at 417 West 7th Street as the “Pharmacist’s Mate First Class John Harlan Willis Post Office Building.” The effort is being supported by Rep. Matt Van Epps (R-TN), Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), and other members of Tennessee’s congressional delegation.

Willis, a Columbia native, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions while serving as a Navy corpsman during World War II. According to his Medal of Honor citation, Willis continued treating wounded Marines under intense enemy fire, repeatedly returning live grenades thrown into a shell hole where he was administering aid.

Willis’ Medal of Honor citation details his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima:

“Willis resolutely administered first aid to the many marines wounded during the furious close-in fighting until he himself was struck by shrapnel and was ordered back to the battle-aid station. Without waiting for official medical release, he quickly returned to his company and, during a savage hand-to-hand enemy counterattack, daringly advanced to the extreme front lines under mortar and sniper fire to aid a marine lying wounded in a shell hole. Completely unmindful of his own danger as the Japanese intensified their attack, Willis calmly continued to administer blood plasma to his patient, promptly returning the first hostile grenade which landed in the shell hole while he was working and hurling back seven more in quick succession before the ninth one exploded in his hand and instantly killed him. By his great personal valor in saving others at the sacrifice of his own life, he inspired his companions, although terrifically outnumbered, to launch a fiercely determined attack and repulse the enemy force. His exceptional fortitude and courage in the performance of duty reflect the highest credit upon Willis and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.”

In a statement, Ogles said Willis’ actions represent the highest ideals of service and sacrifice.

“John Harlan Willis embodied the very best of the American spirit. In the face of overwhelming danger, he chose courage, selflessness, and duty. Renaming this Post Office in his hometown ensures that future generations will remember a Tennessean who gave everything for his country,” Ogles said, adding that Willis’ heroism at Iwo Jima “will never be forgotten, and our nation owes him a permanent place of honor.”

Van Epps echoed those sentiments, calling the renaming a fitting tribute to a Tennessean whose courage exemplified the nation’s values.

Willis is already memorialized locally, with the main bridge over the Duck River in downtown Columbia bearing his name. According to Ogles’ office, the renaming bill could be considered by Congress sometime in 2026.

Columbia State Awarded $2 Million Grant

Columbia State Community College has been awarded a $2 million Rural Health Care Pathways Expansion Grant by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. The “Rural RNs Rise (R3): Growing Caregivers” project focuses on creating clear educational pathways to high-demand healthcare careers, including implementation of a new paramedic-to-RN pathway, changes to the college's existing LPN-to-RN option and strategic attention to growing the EMS pipeline.

The R3 project also aims to address critical healthcare workforce shortages across southern Middle Tennessee.

The grant includes funds for an LPN/Paramedic-to-RN pathway coordinator and a success navigator to provide participants with wrap-around services and access to resources.

LPNs and paramedics with credit for the appropriate pre-requisite general education courses can apply for pathway admission. Upon completion of the summer transition courses, students merge into the third semester of the traditional, in-person nursing program in the fall and can graduate the following May with an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing, NCLEX-RN eligible.

“We are thrilled to offer paramedics and LPNs the chance to expand their skill set and educational horizons through this new pathway,” said Greg Johnson, Columbia State EMS program director and assistant professor. “It's a tremendous opportunity for career growth and a vital step in strengthening the entire healthcare system in Middle Tennessee.”

The new pathway helps address the shortage in registered nurses, on a local and national level, while also providing career advancement opportunities for working LPNs and paramedics.

“What an exciting time here at Columbia State to be able to provide a new pathway for LPNs and paramedics to enter the nursing practice as RNs,” said Dr. Loretta Bond, Columbia State nursing program director. “This pathway will serve as a vital solution to address critical nursing shortages!”

“Receipt of the R3 grant provided the college with funds to develop and implement an opportunity for LPNs and paramedics — many who are former Columbia State students — to care for and about patients in new ways!” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. 

For updates regarding application deadlines and admission criteria for this new pathway, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Nursing.

Paramedics and LPNs who are interested in this new opportunity have time to take the remaining pre-requisite courses in the Spring semester. College application information is available here: www.ColumbiaState.edu/Admissions.      

Candidates may request academic guidance and assistance by email at [email protected].

Upcoming Local Events

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Friday, December 19th

Saturday, December 20th

Sunday, December 21st

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, December 19th

Golden Soul Revue - Grinder’s Switch Winery, 7–9 PM
Everamarillo - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Radio Farm - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Wentzel Brothers Band - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, December 20th

Robert Johnson - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
A Tender Tennessee Christmas Show - The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
Writers Round on the Patio - Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Troy Castellano - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Much-To-Do - The Boondox, 8 PM
South Bound Crows - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Sunday, December 21st

Christmas Jazz with Cord Martin & Friends - The Mulehouse, 6 PM

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