COL(ret) Alton R. Barnes was the founder and first Commandant of the Alabama Military Academy [now the 200th Regiment (LDR)]. He delivered the oath of office to me and 38 others on 16JUN73. COL Barnes, a WWII veteran, was an extraordinary man, and many have been privileged to know him. I was fortunate enough to train under him and serve with him. He retired in 1979 as the Deputy Adjutant General of the Alabama National Guard.
This fine officer and gentleman departed this earth on 26 October 2019.