By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

John “Allan” Lowe, mayor of Columbiana 2000-2012, served with honor in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard during military tours in Central and South America, Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom.

Lowe attended Shelby Elementary, Columbiana Middle, Shelby County High School, class of 1983, and Auburn University, class of 1988.

Following in the military tradition of his late father, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Johnny Lowe, he joined the Alabama Army National Guard in 1985.

“I enlisted to honor my Dad, and then I realized serving in the military was a privilege,” said Lowe. “I did not join for the food, the pay or snazzy clothes, but for the satisfaction that I was helping my country when it needed a defender.”

1989 was a life-changing year for Lowe; he joined his parent’s, Jean and Jonny Lowe, new real estate business, Lowe Real Estate, and met his future wife Scarlott on a blind date.

On Aug. 2, 1990, Saddam Hussein invaded Iraq. On Aug. 22, President George W. Bush called up the National Guard and Reserves.

“I was engaged to Scarlott to get married in November,” said Lowe. “My father came to me the day of the invasion and said I was going to get called up. ‘If you are going to get married, you better do it now.’ Scarlott and I got married the next day, Aug. 3. I soon got my orders to go overseas.”

Platoon Leader 1^st Lt. Lowe was deployed to Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield with the 946^th Supply Co. Desert Shield turned to war, Desert Storm, on Jan. 17, 1991, when the “shock and awe” bombing began.

Capt. Lowe returned to the states, started Allan Lowe Nationwide Insurance Co., had two children, and was elected mayor of Columbiana.

In 2003 Lowe was called to serve once again in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Maj. Lowe retired on May 15, 2006, receiving many military decorations as the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Reserves Components Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Humanitarian Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal with one Star Device.

“I served my country, served in two wars and felt it was time for my family,” said Lowe.