Sergeant Major James Thomas Key, deceased, was born in Carthage, TN, and had resided in Benton since 2007. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. His commendations included the Legion of Merit Medal, two Bronze Star Medals for exceptionally meritorious combat achievement, the Meritorious Service Medal, and three Army Commendation Medals for exceptional meritorious service.

From February 1977 to December 1979, Sergeant Major Key held consecutive positions as Senior Reenlistment Supervisor for the Heidelberg Military Community and United States Army Europe Reenlistment Supervisor and Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Military Procurement Branch Personnel Actions Directorate First Personnel Command. In this exceedingly responsible role, Sergeant Major Key served as the principal advisor to the Commander in Chief, United States Army Europe, for the command reenlistment program. Through his unparalleled leadership and profound understanding of recruiting and retention program management, he unified and directed an efficient force of more than 220 dedicated reenlistment non-commissioned officers to achieve consecutive Department of the Army Reenlistment Awards in the school years 1978 and 1979.

Sergeant Major Key's exceptional performance of duty culminated in 24 years of dedicated service, reflecting the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.