We would like to send a congratulations to the class of 2020. Your senior year, whether it be of high school or college, did not go as planned and many “last moments” were not experienced. While this is a disappointment, we know that you are resilient, strong, and capable of adapting to change. We wish you all the luck in your future endeavors!

In particular, we would like to send a congratulations to the young ladies who were recipients of the Chapter’s scholarship. Congratulations on your achievement and best wishes in your studies!

Locally~

PFC Oscar S. Benton served in the 816th Pioneer Infantry in World War 1. He’s buried in the middle of a thicket a few miles outside of Strong, AR. The 816th Pioneer Infantry was an all African American Infantry Unit during World War 1. That’s all I could find out about the man. He went to war for this country when he didn’t have the same rights as over half the country that he was defending. I haven’t been able to find anything about Oscar S. Benton. But I don’t want anyone to forget his service. Thank you for your service, PFC Oscar S. Benton.—Jesse Elam

More information was later found at https://www.ancestry.com/search/categories/bmd_death/?name=Oscar_Benton&event=_Ga&birth=_strong-union-arkansas-usa_29402&fbclid=IwAR23BtVe1SzA7MmwtGEZu148oEmwty6uavgUMiR3C22sTLovTjQNgXvNqRo

First conceived by President Harry S. Truman, Armed Forces Day was established in 1949. The creation of a single day celebration for all five branches of the United States military made sense due to its recent unification under the Department of Defense. This year we added a sixth branch, the United States Space Force, and yesterday we celebrated the unveiling of the #SpaceForce flag. Let’s come together today and remember we are all in this together and we’re committed to our service of this great nation.

Thank you to Peterson AFB 21st Wing Space Facebook Page for the picture and information.

We want to give a big THANK YOU to off duty firemen, Drake Wilson of Central Station-Searcy and Mark Dennison of Station 3 who installed a donated U.S. flag for a Blue Star Mother. A Blue Star Mother is one who has a son or daughter who is serving or has been honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States while a Gold Star Mother is one who has lost a son or daughter in service.

Thank you to these gentlemen for taking the time to help.