About Bretford J. Griffin

I grew up in Walker County Alabama in the unincorporated neighborhood named Yerkwood. I completed High School at T.S. Boyd in Dora, Al in 1967.  I am the father of one daughter, three sons (adults) eight grandchildren and one great grand son..

I entered the Military and served six years in the Army.   During this time, I served one tour in South Viet Nam and one in South Korea.  After my honorable discharge from the Army, utilizing the GI Bill, I enrolled in Walker Jr. College,   Jasper Al (now Bevills State).  I received a Bachelors of Arts Degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  

After graduation from UAB, I continued to work for a Dept of Defense (DOD) Contractor at Birmingham Airport until I was accepted for an intern position with the Federal government at Ft. Rucker, AL.  This job began the continuation of my career with the Federal Government, the Dept of Defense and the Army.

I served within many roles during my federal career as a public servant for 30 plus years.   I have received numerous commendations and awards from some of the highest ranks and levels of the Federal Government. I think the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award that I received is my most cherished.

Shortly after retirement in 2004, I relocated back home to Alabama.   After experiencing a transition from being real busy to wondering what should I do now?  My prayer was/ is that what ever I do, it would be within the will of God and for the benefit of his people.

I begin surveying the neighborhood by asking the youth and other community members about their aspirations for the community.   Given the responses that I received,   I began the development of a Peace Park for smaller Kids and a Youth Activities Center.   The Park was developed with capabilities for basketball / baseball, softball soccer, volleyball and walking, and biking.   The youth named the park “MyPark”:  Thus indicating their ownership.

Note:

Additionally the impacted kids have experienced many fulfilling, educational and fun activities through the youth activities outreach:  named the Yerkwood Youth Center (Activities), or YYC.  The YYC is no longer operations due to funding constraints.   To some of those youth have completed college, other higher or skilled learning institutions and are employed, married, etc. to date.

Respectfully

Bretford J. Griffin