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BENNY R. COOPER

United States Army By: Michelle Horton

In 1954, Vietnam was divided into two sections: the communist North and the democratic South. Tensions began escalating and turning into armed conflicts between the two territories. The United States provided funding, armaments, and training to South Vietnam’s governments and military service.

Still, in 1961, United States President John F. Kennedy would expand the military aid program. The former president committed United States soldiers to the South Vietnam area in hopes of repelling communism spreading into the South. After Kennedy’s passing, his successors continued their support for South Vietnam. By the year 1969, more than 500,000 United States military personnel were stationed in Vietnam.

Benny R. Cooper was one of those brave men, drafted into the United States Army the year before, ready and willing to serve his country.

Benny grew up in Redwater, Texas, and describes his childhood as “hard work.” His parents owned a local grocery store, Cooper’s Grocery, and Benny, along with his younger brother, younger sister, and parents, lived in the back of the grocery store.

There was always work to do in the family business, and Benny stayed busy after school and during the summer months.

After graduating high school in the summer of 1967, Benny had a choice to make. He could either go to college to delay his drafting A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

status or get drafted into the military service. “Boys my age, at that time, that’s all we had to look forward to,” Benny says. Benny went to work at Cooper Tire in Texarkana, Arkansas, and in July 1968, the expectant letter arrived at Benny’s home. His path would be redirected to the United States Army. Benny was inducted in Shreveport, Louisiana, and describes the setting as follows: “There were a lot of people in that room. In 1968, they were drafting a bunch of people. This First Lieutenant walked in there and said, ‘I want everybody to stand up and make one line all the way around the room.’ So, we made that one line, and he said, ‘Every other man take a step to the left.’ That made two lines, and the Lieutenant walked over there and said, ‘Everyone in this line is going to the Army, and everyone in this line is going to the Marine Corps.’”

Benny learns that, at this moment, he is going to the United States Army, and these newly drafted men are put on a bus and headed to Fort Polk, Louisiana.

Basic training occurred at Fort Polk and lasted for eight weeks. “It included a lot of physical training, pushups, and a lot of running. It was pretty tough. I went from a 29/30” waist to a 33” waist and 135 pounds to 165 pounds in eight weeks,” Benny says. “We learned how to take a rifle apart and put it together, read a compass, and march precision style. Everything had to be perfect, and inspections happened often.

They’d get you to where you were ready to kill your drill sergeant, and then they’d just back off. They knew when they had gotten you nearly to that point.”

Finally, graduation comes, and Benny has completed his basic training. “I got with this other guy that lived in Atlanta, Texas, and he took me home to Redwater. I spent the weekend there and then returned to Fort Polk. We were going to what they call ‘Tigerland’ for Advanced Individual Training (AIT). When you got your orders that you were going to Tigerland, you knew you were going straight to Vietnam,” Benny says.

During this nine-week training in Tigerland, men are placed in more extensive training than basic training.

“You have compass courses, more rifle ranges, and are learning different kinds of weapons. It is more intense than basic training. You never knew what time you were gonna get back to the barracks. You might get two hours of sleep, or you might not,” Benny says.

About the eighth week of AIT, the soldiers would walk out to a bulletin board with everyone’s names listed on it. Most names, including Benny’s, had RVN beside them, which stood for the Republic of Vietnam. Benny’s prediction was correct; he was going to Vietnam.

Benny graduated from AIT on a 013

Friday, went home for 30 days, then boarded a plane to Fort Lewis, Washington. Once a jet became available, Benny was on and headed to Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, which was a replacement station.

“There must have been three or four thousand of us. Every morning, they’d all gather, and this guy would be standing up there at a podium and calling names out. This morning, he called out four names, and mine was one of them. The other three I had been through AIT with, and one of the men - me and him- slept side by side during basic. We walked up there to that podium, and he said, ‘You’ll get on that helicopter; you’re going to the First Air Mobile Calvary Division,’” Benny says. He was now assigned to the Echo Company, Commanded by CPT David Niles.

“The kicker about all this is that when I was in basic training, they got the whole battalion, took us down to this big ole’ barn, and said, ‘We’re gonna watch a movie.’ We were sitting there, and the movie came on, and it was helicopters. It’s in black and white, back in those days.

They were coming in, touching the ground, these guys were jumping out. I’m sitting there and thinking, ‘That’s what I want to do right there.’

That movie was showing the actual battle of the Ia Drang Valley,” Benny says. “Well, you better watch what you wish for because you just might get it. The first combat assault we made – we got in those helicopters, and we went in, and we jumped out.”

The battle of Ia Drang Valley lasted three days and occurred in Vietnam on November 14, 1965.

Benny points out, “The war really started heating up in 1965 with this first major battle.”

The 1st Battalion, 7th Calvary Regiment, 1st Calvary Division fought an overwhelming battle.

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Little did Benny know, but he would become part of this same battalion in Vietnam.

Benny was dropped off in a landing zone the first week of January 1969.

Most of the time, Benny and his division were either in the jungle, on a landing zone, or on a firebase. The men would never stay in one spot, and they moved at six every morning whether they needed to or not.

These men would battle the most brutal environments while carrying a 170-pound pack full of weapons, C-rations, water, and necessary supplies daily.

However, when a mission or combat assault arises, it doesn’t matter what you are doing or how you feel; you just go. “You didn’t know if you were going into a hot LZ (landing zone) or a cold one. You wouldn’t know until you flew what felt like forever, got up in the air, and started circling. All at once, you’d see this artillery come in and all these explosions, and then you knew – you were going right there. Twelve choppers would line up, staggard formation, and eight to ten men would jump out of each chopper,” Benny says.

Most of the time, the men would remain on the mission for 90 days, return to the rear, get new clothes and new boots, and get to take a shower. Benny and his division had been on the move for close to two

and a half months, and as their 90 days approached, life was about to change for the Echo company.

“You’re always getting shot at.

Rockets, mortars, you know, but nothing really major there. They’re lobbing them over, and you can hear them flying over, but you never know when they are going to hit,” Benny remarks. During January and February, there wasn’t much interaction with the Vietnam army in person, mostly just the rockets and grenades. But that would all change in March 1969 as Benny is now arriving on Hill 54.

On March 15, 1969, Benny and his company boarded a Chinook helicopter for Hill 54, a remote outpost with a landing zone so small that the aircraft could not fully land, having to hover with the front wheels off the ground. Another division was leaving Hill 54 and getting onto the helicopter. One of the men passing Benny said, “We’ve been here for 32 days; it’s a piece of cake. Nothing’s happened.” Benny replied, “Ok, that’s good. That’s good.”

It is March 16, 1969, nearing the midnight hour. Benny settled in a small hole and drifted to sleep.

Benny notes, “All at once, I heard this explosion, and I rolled over, and there was another one. Then there was another one, and they were right there, right beside me,” Benny declared. The enemy was now inside the wire, and they were no longer safe. “It had rained that evening, and the ground was slick.

I just started sliding down that hill toward the bunker. When I went by my M16, I grabbed it and some ammunition and slid right into the hole. There was another man in the hole, John May, and he asked, ‘What are we gonna do?’ I asked him, ‘Where is your M16?’ He A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

said, ‘I left it out there.’ I then said, ‘Well, we gonna fight or we gonna die.’” This was midnight on March 17, 1969, and would become known as the Battle of Hill 54.

The Echo company mortar team was set up to provide support, but the enemy was able to lock in the position on the flash from the tube with B40 rocket-propelled grenades the first time a mortar was fired.

The enemy was quickly destroying their position. The enemy then threw an incendiary device into the ammunition bunker about twenty feet from Benny’s hole. Once ignited, all the ammunition and over eighty mortars began to explode all around him.

The incoming enemy fire did not cease as wave after wave of enemy troops were out to destroy the outpost of Hill 54 and kill every American there. Even though the world was exploding all around, Benny Cooper and the Echo company refused to give up.

Because of Hill 54’s remote location, additional help would be delayed, but it did come in the form of aircrafts. Bien Hoa was a major Air Force Base from which large fighter jets took off. One fighter jet took off and joined forces with a helicopter patrolling the Dong Nai River, dropping basketball flares that lit up the entire area on Hill 54. This allowed troops to see everything.

The Battle of Hill 54 raged continuously for six hours, but the Echo company held its ground.

Once daylight came across the land, the Vietnamese army retreated, and fighting ceased. “There was 52 of us the night before, and when I came out of the bunker the next morning, I went to counting, and I counted 13 that could move and walk. That was a life-changing night for everybody. It was the longest six to seven hours of our lives,” Benny remarks. “I get to looking out across A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

the area, and there are bodies everywhere. The first thing we do is try to find all of our people. We had two Observation Points out, and they were all killed. We got ponchos (slicker suits), went down, picked them up, wrapped them up, and brought them to the top of the hill.”

Another company, Charlie Company, incurred a difficult march throughout the night and arrived at daylight to help the Echo company. They would help reinforce the bunkers, rebuild the fighting positions, and extract the wounded. They were in total disbelief at the devastation they saw and what the Echo company had just encountered.

“We thought they might get us off that hill, but they kept us there another three weeks. They kept us there until we got replacements and got back up to strength,” Benny says. These remaining soldiers who had just risked their lives and fought the Battle of Hill 54 would not return for a warm shower and fresh clothes. Instead, they kept moving and kept serving. Over a year, other missions would arise, and Benny and his company men would load onto helicopters and go wherever they were needed.

Benny had seven months left on his contract when he returned to the States. He spent a short time at Red River Army Depot in Hooks,

Texas, and was then ordered to Fort Hood, Texas. “Back then, Fort Hood was mechanized tanks. So many of us were coming back from Vietnam and sent to Fort Hood that they had to establish another battalion. It was an infantry battalion and I got put there instead of the mechanized tanks. I spent the next seven months doing the same thing that I had been doing in Vietnam.

We would go into the field every Monday, and they would pick us up on Friday,” Benny remarks. They did this in order to keep the battalion busy and well-prepared in case they had to be sent back to Vietnam.

Since Benny was drafted, he was only required to serve a two-year term. Benny mentions, “You get this re-enlistment talk from this First Lieutenant, and he talked for about an hour. I’m sitting on the front row and you’ve got your name tag on your chest. He said, ‘What about you, Cooper?’ Well, you know, I had thought about re-enlisting, then I got to thinking if I re-enlist, I’m going to come down on the levy to go back to Vietnam. I said, ‘No. I can’t stay, I gotta go.’”

Benny Cooper was ready to depart Fort Hood but could not rent a car to get back home because of his young age. He was able to get ahold of his younger brother, who drove down to get Benny and return 015

him home to Redwater. Once they arrive, Benny describes the scene, saying, “We are standing in front of my Mother and Daddy’s house, and they both come out on the front porch and they’re looking at me. About that time, this chihuahua comes running out on that porch and jumps off that porch, and I catch her. I thought it was pretty bad the chihuahua was the only one that recognized me.” Benny’s parents did not know who was standing before them; he had changed a lot. “You take a 19-year-old kid, send him to a combat zone for a year; he comes back 45,” Benny says.

October 1972, where he retired after 30 years.

“I wanted to use the GI Bill to go to college, but because I was working on the railroad, my schedule would not allow for it,” Benny says.

Later, in 1976, Benny met the love of his life, Debbie Marshall Cooper, in Fort Worth, Texas.

The two established their home and family in Redwater, Texas. Today, they have three children, Ashley, Christina, and Michael, and eight grandchildren.

Life after service in Vietnam was not always rosy, and not everyone in the country appreciated Benny’s sacrifice. “When we returned from Vietnam, we were ‘baby killers.’

That’s what everybody called us, and they didn’t want to have anything to do with you. I mean everybody. I had a good buddy I had graduated with, and when he found out I had just come back from Vietnam, all the laughing and drinking just stopped.

We were at the lake one night, and his wife said, ‘Benny, we haven’t seen you in a year; where have you been?’ I replied that I had just come back from Vietnam. They haven’t had a thing to do with me since.”

There are good aspects of Benny’s military career. He made lifelong friends like Robert Chambers, who lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Karl Swenson, the platoon leader for whom Benny carried the radio.

“There are eight of us still alive today that went through that. We get to catch up at reunions and see each other,” Benny says.

Arkansas. Benny also finds time to help other veterans in our area. “I have one buddy that cannot drive, and when he calls me, I’ll take him to the VA in Shreveport or the one here,” Benny says.

We thank you, Benny Cooper, for your personal service and sacrifices for the United States of America. You are a true American hero.

Benny learned discipline and respect for authority as he became an essential part of our military history.

Benny is now a life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Post 4562, in Texarkana,

One can only fathom what these men had been through in a foreign country as they would see their friends and comrades fall to death in a very gruesome battle. Traumatic effects continued after their service and would range from taking overthe-top precautions in order to sleep at night to using alcohol to make it through each day. “I tried to stay drunk. They said I was selfmedicating. I was a straight-running drunk for 35 years. But, this month, it has been 20 years since I have had anything to drink.” Benny says.

He returned to work at Cooper Tire in July 1970 and then went to work for the Missouri-Pacific railroad in 016

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GARY MURPHY United States Air Force By: Michelle Horton

When Gary Murphy was 18 years old, all young men in those days had to register with the Selective Service and were drafted into the military unless they had a deferment. Gary was a full-time college student and received a deferment until he completed his degree. “My family was aware of the situation, and we all knew the inevitable. Because of the draft, getting into the Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard was harder, which greatly reduced the chances of being drafted to serve in Vietnam. However, I was reclassified 1A when I graduated from the University of Arkansas and was able to get a slot in the Air Force through my uncle, who knew the recruiter,” Gary says.

Gary Murphy grew up on the family farm just outside of Malvern, Arkansas. His days were spent feeding cattle, hogs, chickens, and occasionally goats. Gary spent many hours riding his horse, and summertime always meant hauling hay and swimming in the creek afterward.

After high school, Gary attended Southern State College (now Southern Arkansas University) in Magnolia for three years before transferring to the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Agronomy). He officially entered the United States Air Force shortly after graduation and was sent to basic training. During basic training, Gary was offered the opportunity to go to Officers Training School to be a pilot or navigator but declined and remained in the enlisted ranks. “My basic training was at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, in July and August of 1968. It was hot! Drills were rigorous; sometimes, completing those drills successfully depended on the recruit ahead of you.

After basic training, I was assigned to Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, for six weeks of Medical Helper training,” Gary says.

Gary declared that everything in basic training was to be 020

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done with perfection, whether it was making your bunk, shining your shoes, keeping your razor and your toothbrush clean, or marching. “Did I mention it was hot? I was often sent back to the barracks to change fatigues because of the dried ‘sweat’ rings with the admonishment that no one ate in the chow hall with ‘dirty’ clothes,” Gary mentions. The most difficult part of this training was not being able to keep the letters he had received from his wife, Sandra.

While assigned to Sheppard Air Force Base for Medical Helper Training, Gary had to fill out a “dream” sheet of where he might like to be stationed. Gary explains, “We could list five bases, and I listed Little Rock Air Force Base right in the middle. When I completed this Medical Helper Training and received my orders, I was assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base and was stationed there for the remainder of my time. I was often asked, ‘Who do you know higher up?’ My answer always has been and still is ‘Only One, The One and Only.’”

Gary became a Veterinary Technician in the Air Force and was assigned to a Little Rock Air Force Base hospital group. “It was a SAC (Strategic Air Command) base, and the veterinarian’s office was in charge of caring for the 35-40 sentry dogs that guarded the flight line. In addition to this, we conducted clinics for base personnel pets,” Gary says.

“In 1970, the Little Rock Air Force Base became a TAC (Tactical Air Command) base, and the sentry dogs were reassigned, leaving only a few Military Police dogs on the base. Our primary assignment was food inspection. Every food that was delivered to the base had to be inspected. This also included inspecting the off-base providers.

We also inspected any food service facility located on the base.”

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During his four years of service at the Little Rock Air Force Base, Gary lived with his family in a manufactured home about four miles from the base. His son and daughter were born during his years of service. Gary and his wife love to joke that, thanks to the benefits of the Air Force, they only had to pay $30 to have both kids born. Living in a central location also allowed for family visits on the weekends.

Military service does not come without stress. Gary knew in the back of his mind that he could always be reassigned to a less desirable location. Plus, the pay for an airman always kept the couple guarding their finances carefully and frugally. However, Gary’s relationship with God and knowing He is in control carried Gary and his family through the hard times. Gary also found a life-long friend during his four years of service. “I met Tommy R. E. ‘Catfish’ Jones from a place called Oil Trough, Arkansas.

Several years later, my profession took me to Newport, Arkansas, where nearby we found “Oil Trough” and became lifelong friends with Tommy and his family. We are blessed to attend church with Tommy’s son, Shawn Jones, and his family at Northern Hills Baptist Church today,” Gary says.

Gary’s four years of service in the Air Force as a Staff Sergeant E-5 ended on June 26, 1972, and the Air Force moved the couple’s home to Fayetteville, Arkansas, so Gary could start graduate school. He earned his master’s degree in Animal Science using the G.I. Bill.

After completing his master’s degree, Gary began working at the same university

in beef cattle research. “I retired from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture/Animal Science Department where I was a Senior Research Associate at the Fayetteville campus, and former Resident Director of the University of Arkansas Beef Substation located at Newport, Arkansas,” Gary says.

Today, Gary is 79 years old and a resident of Texarkana, Arkansas.

His wife, Sandra, and he have been married for 57 years, a relationship that began when Sandra introduced herself to Gary at a church event.

They are the proud parents of Greg Murphy, a Farm Bureau Agent in Texarkana, Arkansas, and Marla Murphy Rowland, a math interventionist in Benton, Louisiana.

Their grandchildren are Jackson and Andrew Murphy, Madison Rowland, and Rheagan (Rowland) McMinn.

The newest addition to the family is their great-granddaughter, Allyn McMinn.

Gary and Sandra enjoy spending time deer hunting, riding ATVs, traveling in their RV, and attending Southern gospel concerts.

As Gary reflects on his past military service, he clearly understands that it taught him to trust God in every area of his life.

Thank you for serving in the United States Air Force, Gary. We appreciate your sacrifice!

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CALL US FOR ALL YOUR ROOFING NEEDS AT (903)701-5440

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COLE ROBERTS United States Marine Corps By: Michelle Horton

Cole Roberts was born in Ruston, Louisiana, and moved to Texarkana at the age of ten. Cole describes his childhood as “easy and fun” and remarks on his supportive parents and both sets of grandparents. He relied on his siblings for entertainment and made the best of each day.

At the age of 18, Cole asked himself the all-important question, “What do I want to do with my life?”

Cole weighed several possibilities for life after high school but realized he did not like any of them outside of the military. “I knew the military would give me some type of discipline and would help me with a purpose. At the time, I was only bussing tables, and I knew I needed to learn more skills,” Cole says. He decided to visit the different military recruiting offices at Central Mall in Texarkana until he found his fit with the Marine Corps. “I knew I wanted to pursue firefighting when I was out of the military, and that was a job available,” Cole says. “Also, the Marine Corps made me feel like they had a lot of camaraderie, and I wanted that. It seemed like they were a fit for me.”

Cole told his parents he visited with a recruiter and then took a couple of days to decide. “I told my parents, ‘Hey, by the way, I think I’m going to do this,’ and they were shocked. They did not try to talk me out of it but definitely showed me other options. But once I reaffirmed that going into the Marine Corps was it, they got behind it,” Cole says.

Cole would enter a pool program where he would have to remain ready to pass physical examinations until the day came for him to be sworn into the Marine Corps in Little Rock, Arkansas.

After this time, Cole returned home to live life and get things in order before his ship date in January 2013 arrived. However, news would come in August 2012 that the Marine Corps was ready for him.

Cole and his best friend, Bryan Buchanan, who also joined the Marine Corps at the same time, had a cruise planned already, so the Marine Corps had them ship out in October 2012, just a couple of days after they arrived back from their cruise. “My best friend and I checked into Little Rock and flew from Little Rock to the San Diego Airport. We immediately checked into the USO, waited all day, and around ten o’clock that night, boarded the boot camp bus,” Cole says. “There were about 80 of us on that bus, and as they drove us to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, they yelled the entire time like we had just killed their cat. They get you off the bus, and you have these golden footprints that they make you stand on, all stationed in the position of attention.” Cole quickly learns that his past must be left behind as he enters these doors at boot camp. After this, he enters what looks 024

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like an ISS classroom, takes out all his belongings, wallet, phone, and anything in his pockets, and the Marine Corps decides what he will be allowed to take in. Cole put his clothes in a box and started to put on the Marine’s clothes.

“You go through a receiving week in which they keep you up an entire week, teaching you basic things, like how to pack, physical training, and so much more before you hit Black Friday. Black Friday is when you will be stationed with a unit and a platoon number and meet your assigned drill instructors. During this 13-week boot camp, everyone will receive the same training: Marine Corps history, physical training, Marine Corps rank structure, how to salute, what to say to people, and basically getting you to the point where you will follow orders no matter what. You learn that you will not ask questions but just act,” Cole says.

During the second month of boot camp, they moved to Camp Pendleton, where they began rifleman training. The drilling continued, but this time, they were very focused on shooting and making sure they could shoot a rifle accurately. Their final month was back at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, where they prepared for The Crucible.

“The Crucible is the final test for the Marine Corps. They keep you up for three days with three MRE Meals. They hike you from landmark to landmark, and you simulate the same actions that former Medal of Honor recipients did to achieve that honor. It’s an eye-opening experience being this exhausted and to know that a guy before me was more exhausted than I am and did even more,” Cole explains.

This trial is one that every Marine recruit endures as it tests their mental toughness, physical stamina, A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

and ability to think critically while enduring stress from hunger, sleep deprivation, and physical exhaustion over a 54-hour period.

At the highest hill of the Crucible, Cole received his Eagle, Globe, and Anchor award and transformed from a recruit to a full member of the Marine Corps. A five-mile hike back to the Warrior Breakfast, followed by a week, and Cole is presented to his family, and they get to spend the day together at the base. Cole would graduate, spend a month at home in Texarkana, and then return to Camp Pendleton to learn to shoot in motion during Combat Training. The next step was to begin firefighter training in San Angelo, Texas.

Cole would undergo multi-level training at the Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas. He began as an Emergency Medical Responder learning the ropes, then onto Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 training, teaching him how to put his gear on, spray the hose, different hose patterns depending on the situation he was facing, how to stand, learn what different smoke means, and much more.

HazMat Awareness was the next level, where Cole learned to identify specific hazmat properties. Finally, he attended an Airport Firefighting training, which is what the Marine Corps specializes in. This training provided Cole with a basic knowledge of airport firefighting.

mauver on them. This was our main goal every day.” Cole was able to place a preference to be stationed on the West Side after training, and he got his wish and was assigned to Camp Pendleton. “Upon receiving these orders, I was also told that the Pendleton guys are getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan in August.

I was graduating in late July. They said whoever gets picked up from Pendleton here (San Angelo base) will be picked up for deployment. I knew I was deploying before I ever got to my unit,” Cole says.

Cole was nervous about the deployment but also felt he did not deserve to go. “There were multiple people that wanted to go to Afghanistan. So many Marines joined to fight and get stationed state-side and never get to go fight,” Cole says. “I also felt fortunate because it was one of the last deployments during Operation Enduring Freedom and the first of Operation Inherent Resolve.”

Cole spent seven months in Afghanistan, bouncing around different Marine Crops bases in the Helmand Province. He also spent

Cole would be placed with a unit specifically attached to an air base.

He describes his unit’s main goals: “We were to know the aircrafts that would be using the base, know the danger areas of those aircrafts, and know the runways and how to 025

time on an air station, utilizing all of his firefighting training. “The culture, living conditions, and view were different in Afghanistan. It was all flat and desert, with no dunes. I was there during the winter season, and it actually snowed there. You have local Afghans that come onto the base, and their 9-5 job is to take Marines from one bus stop to the other, driving this one strip of road all day. They do not speak good English, know what they are supposed to do, and don’t talk.

Some guys serving you chow are like that, too,” Cole says. “It was a joint base, too, so you are joining up with people from the Royal Air Force and Jordanians, plus different United States Marine Corps units. You’re with different countries’ military forces sharing the same eating space. I actually worked alongside and slept in the same building as firefighters for the Royal Air Force.

I learned that they drink tea like we drink coffee.”

After returning to the States, Cole remains at Camp Pendleton for nearly a year and is deployed again on a Marnie Corps Expedition for close to seven months. While working various operations on the expedition, Cole was able to explore Thailand, Hong Kong, Israel, and many other places. “I paid money to go into Jerusalem, but there was rioting on the route there, so they canceled my day. I never got to go, but Israel was really, really cool to see,” Cole says. Seven months later, Cole returns back to the States and spends the remaining year of activeduty service at the Pendleton Air Station.

Cole’s highest promotion during his military service was to level E4 Corporal. He was rated for wearing an Afghan campaign ribbon and an overseas ribbon and was awarded a good conduct award for perfect conduct for three years.

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After serving four years of active duty by September 2016, Cole continued with four years of inactive duty to finish his eight-year contract.

Transitioning from military to civilian life was challenging. “I got fired from a job for being a little too abrasive.

I told the person I was having a problem with that they were lazy and needed to fix it. I also got into a fight with my brother over something I thought was disrespectful but wound up being mediocre. It took me a second to realize that not everyone is intentionally trying to screw you,” Cole explains.

If there is something Cole wishes civilians understood about military service, it would best be explained by this: “Don’t ask anybody if they killed anybody! If people knew how big of a deal that is or that maybe the person they are asking is having trouble with that subject, I would ask them to refrain from that question.”

Today, Cole is a thriving 30-yearold man, married to the love of his wife, Maryanna Caroline (Wisdom) Roberts. The couple met through a mutual friend and were married in May of this year. Both Cole and Maryanna enjoy having their parents, Joey and Amanda Roberts, and Rick and Debbie Wisdom, plus a number of siblings, in their lives. In his spare time, he enjoys being at the gym, hiking, at the beach, or anywhere near water.

Cole serves his community through the Texarkana Arkansas Fire Department (TAFD) as a firefighter, helping people on their worst days.

This month, he has been with the fire department for five years and, along with his crew, is being recognized as the 2024 TAPD Firefighters of the Year at the 45th Annual Public Safety Officer Appreciation Luncheon.

Due to his extensive Marine Corps training, Cole was able to skip Fire Academy and plug into the department immediately. “We do

Emergency Medical Service runs, work car wrecks, downed power lines, gas leaks, inspections, check fire hydrants, hose-testing, and complete physical fitness tests. The Marines taught me camaraderie, how to work with others, and the many other skills I learned from the military; they all directly transferred over. Especially teaching me to live with different personalities, which is what we have to do when we are not on call,” Cole says.

Cole’s best friend, Bryan, whom he entered the Marine Corps with, remained in contact with Cole throughout their time. While Cole was fighting fires during his military service, Bryan became an aircraft electrician for F18 Charlies. Now, the two work together at TAFD. Thank you for serving in the United States Marine Corps. We appreciate your sacrifice!

619 East 6th Street Texarkana, AR 71854 www.NorthfieldClinic.net

870-772-8622

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ANNIVERSARY MONDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2024

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Come Early for a Special Holiday Concert!

Sofie and the New Relics LIVE

LOCATION: Loading Dock Stage, Front Street

TIME: 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

TICKETS: $10 each Kids 12 and under: FREE Sponsored by the Quality Hill Neighborhood Association THIS AD PAID FOR WITH A COMBINATION OF STATE FUNDS AND PRIVATE REGIONAL ASSOCIATION FUNDS

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Thank you Ark-La-Tex for nominating me for

Best Optometrist!

Family Eye Care Clinic is a regional eye care facility serving Northeast Texas, Southwest Arkansas and Northwest Louisiana.

Diabetic Eye Disease Management Dry Eye Treatments Glaucoma Management Advanced Eye Health Examinations Pediatric Eye Care Dr. Adam Cox Therapeutic Optometrist

Dr. Terry Foster

Robert Irwin Bowie Co Chairman

Justin White Market President

Dianne Martin Commercial Lender

Chuck Lincavage Commercial Lender

Chris Richards Commercial Lender

Trish Reed PR & Events Coordinator

Claudia Soto Location Manager West 7th Street

Kasey Lewis Location Manager North Kings HWY

Lauren Boyd Location Manager St. Michael Drive

NMLS #483804

NMLS # 462835

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719 W. Main St | Atlanta, Texas 903-796-8288 | www.familyeyecareclinic.net

Dr. Randal Cox

NMLS #1110836

NMLS #1564228

NMLS #1941213

gnty.com | Member FDIC | A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

FREE ESTIMATES!

Thank You,

for nominating us

BEST Home Improvement & Roofing Company Over 20 years experience in Metal, Composition and Flat Commercial Roofs.

We offer discounts to senior citizens and churches.

5 year workmanship warranty.

tony.langford.roofing1@gmail.com A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

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READER'S CHOICE NOMINEES 2025

GOODS & SERVICES Appliance Repair Service

Auto Stereo & Accessories

Auto Body Repair

Bank

Adcock’s Appliance Lafferty’s Appliance Lee’s Appliance Mr. Appliance Superior Maytag Triple C Repair

Ashdown Collision Frank's Paint & Body Shop Giles Auto Body Shop Hadaway Body Shop Haley's Body Shop Precision Paint and Body Texarkana Auto Body Works Wrights Auto Body & Glass

Auto Service & Tires

Cooper Tire Service Center Daniel Tires Discount Tire Discount Wheel & Tire Southtown Tire Texarkana Tire and Wheel Welch Tire Wilson’s Tire

Audio Center Electronic Services ES Mobile Audio SECA Motorsports ST Mobile Audio Texarkana Toys

Bank OZK Bodcaw Bank Cadence Bank Commercial National Bank Diamond Bank Farmer’s Bank & Trust Guaranty Bank & Trust Simmons Bank State Bank

Carpet Cleaners

Bennie’s Carpet Cleaning LLC Chem Dry Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning Perfection Restoration and Cleaning Services Service Master Stanley Steemer

Visit www.alt-mag.com to vote for your choices in the Readers Choice Awards November 1 - November 30. Winners announced in the February 2025 issue of ALT! 030

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Chic Clothing

Apricot Lane Boutique Bones & Arrow Boutique The Cracked Pearl Boutique Labels Boutique Lindsay Kate Designs Luna Boutique Moonstone & Moss Native Soul Noah Jade’s Boutique Sweet Caroline’s Boutique The Rancher’s Wife

Joni’s Cheer and Dance Centre Judith Macarthy School of Dance Lana Lavoice School of Dance Patti Smith Dancing Unlimited Red Door Dance Academy Revolution Dance Studio Studio M Dance Academy

Computer Repair / Service Company

Bobby Szymanski, Data Stand by Complete Computer Solutions MTECH Electronic Services Texarkana Computer, LLC WalkerITC

Credit Union

Domino Federal Credit Union First Franklin MilWay Federal Credit Union Morris Sheppard Texarkana FCU Red River Credit Union Texar Federal Credit Union Texarkana Terminal Employees Federal Credit Union

Dance Studio

All Rhythm Dance Alley All Stars Dance Center BC Dance

Thank you for nominating us for

Best Heating & Cooling Service!

(903) 276-5900

THANK YOU!

BIONICHEATINGANDAIR.COM

NOMINATED FOR BEST FENCING COMPANY IN TEXARKANA!

ALUMINUM CHAIN LINK VINYL WOOD PRE-STAINED WOOD WROUGHT IRON GATES

359 Dodd St, Nash, TX 75569 | (903) 306-1358 | sales@texarkanafence.com | texarkanafence.com A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

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Home...

New Construction | Custom Homes | Renovations

Browning Homes is a husband and wife team who see their own home as a sanctuary. They feel blessed with every opportunity to do more than put walls and beams up, but to build a home of love and dreams -- for you.

If you treasure your home, and want all the things a home encompasses, including value, they would love to help you. Your home will be built by a family business with 20+ years of experience.

Come Home To Your Own Sanctuary.

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880 Kings Way, Wake Village, TX | 903.733.1739 | kevin@browninghomesllc.com Licensed in Texas and Arkansas A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

Serving Texarkana, AR, Magnolia, AR, Bossier City, LA, and surrounding areas.

THank you for the nomination for

Auto Service & Tires We Have A Wide Variety Of Wheels, Tires, And Lift-Kits!

Mechanic On Duty! Trucks, Cars, and ATVS!

WENoFINANCE! Credit Needed!

1307 East St. Texarkana AR, 71854 | 870-774-8473 www.texarkanatireandwheel.com

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Electronic Repair Service ES Mobile Fix A Phone Mtech Electronic Services Phone PROS Smart Phone EMT

Fencing Company

Abercrombie & Fence C.W. Fence Company Dodson Fencing Richardson Fencing Texarkana Fence Williams Fencing

Florist

4D Flowers and Gifts Colley Cottage Trading Company Fields of Flowers Flowers on Richmond Ruths Flowers The Blooming Mercantile The Flowerroom Florist & Gifts Unique Flowers and Gifts

Garden Store/Landscaping

4M Moya Landscaping D1 Landscaping Freeman’s landscaping H & N Landscaping Lawn Doctor of Texarkana - Magnolia - Idabel Little Country Greenhouse Three Chicks Twitty Nursery

Gift Shop

Heating and Cooling Service

30 Point Service Company Air Now Heating & Air Conditioning Big Mike’s Heating and Air Bionic Heating and Air Central heating and Air Cooks Heating and Air Goff Heating and Air Hamiltons Heating and Air Krause Service Company, Chris Krause Lonestar Heating and Air Thomas Bui and Son

Home Builder

2b Builders Browning Homes LLC Dakoda Castle Eppinette Construction Greg McKay Construction Lach-On Construction Rogers Equipment & Construction

Home Improvement

Eppinette Construction Greg McKay Construction Oliver’s Construction Rogers Construction Tony Langford Roofing Yancy Construction

Home Tech Services

Illuminated Telecom MTECH Electronic Services Soundz Good Audio Video Sound Towne

Dreidel. Home + Sundry Fields of Flowers Floral and Gifts Shop Ginger Junction Hearts on Broad Ruth’s Flowers Salty Boutique & Books

Hotel

Gymnastics

Investment Advisor

Joni's Gymnastics Twin City Cheer and Gymnastics NE Texas Elite Gymnastics Flip N Cheer and Ashdown Gymnastics

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Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Hampton Inn Hilton Garden Inn Holiday Inn Texarkana Arkansas Residence Inn

Beau Baker, Edward Jones Dustin Stringer, Stringer Financial Flanagan Andrus, Raymond James Greg Cordray Edward Jones Heath Stroud Joe Black Financial Magness Financial Group Mike Cobb Will Huddleston, Magness Financial Group A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

THANK YOU ALL

for nominating us for, Best Computer Repair/ Service Company in Texarkana 903.306.1269 4508 Texas Blvd.

Texarkana, TX 75503

Managed IT Services | Backup Solutions | Relocation Services Virus/Malware Removal | Disaster Recovery | Antivirus Solutions Remote Access Solutions | Data Recovery

Wood & Chain Link | Ornamental Steel Fencing Gate Operators | Patio Covers & Enclosures

THANK YOU, for nominating us for

BEST Fencing Company in Texarkana!

Call us today! 903.838.7595 3418 New Boston Rd. Texarkana www.richardsonfence-patio.com A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

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Jeweler

Alexander’s Jewelry Coopers Jewelry Crocker’s Jewelers East Street Pawn and Jewelry Gray’s Jewelry Micah’s Jewelry

Liquor Store

Bogey’s Chubby Cheek Liquor EZ Street Liquor Gilly’s Liquor Highway 8 Liquor Store The Party Factor Villa

Locally Made Products

Better Bits Bakery Cowgirl Gems Freshies Fizz Bizz Lavender Thorne Mad Alice Crafts - Shandi Ford Mayo Furniture Rowe Casa Organics Simply Jess Designs

Manufacturer

Cooper Tire Domtar JCM Ledwell & Sons Enterprise Inc. Mayo Manufacturing Texarkana Aluminum

Mortgage Company

Cadence Bank Mortgage Financial Services, Cody Lorance Commercial National Bank Farmer’s Bank John Jarvis, Fairway Mortgage Red River Credit Union SWBC Mortgage Texar Utopia Mortgage, Lacy Coker

New Local Business

Beaut’e Realm Lash Salon Bubba’s 33 Cafe Lucille Concho Hearts Hospice East Street Pawn 036

L O O C (2665) 2 9 7 -

903

THANK YOU! for nominating us

BEST IN: HEATING& COOLING SERVICES HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING • HVAC MAINTENANCE DUCT CLEANING • REAL ESTATE INSPECTIONS RESIDENTIAL NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION

Air Now Heating & Air Conditioning LLC 700 Thompson Ave Texarkana, Texas

Neil Gerrald, Owner Texas License # TACLB26103E Arkansas License # 1446250 A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

We are humbled and thankful for the nominations for:

BEST NEW LOCAL BUSINESS BEST GARDEN STORE/ LANDSCAPING BEST PEST CONTROL Fertilization & Weed Control

Thank You!

903.556.8244

Soil Enrichment | Liquid / Core Aeration Lawn Doctor.com/texarkana-tx Tree & Shrub Care | Mosquito Control Fire Ant / Grub / Tick Control LD1343@LawnDoctor.com Home Pest Barrier

Chris A. Ferguson, Family Dentistry

Show your best smile this holiday season!

5504 Cowhorn Creek Road | Texarkana, TX 75503 | (903) 838- 8513

WASHER / DRYER

Thank You! Nominated for

BEST APPLIANCE REPAIR SERVICE 903-748-5208 | adcocksappliance.com | A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

REFRIGERATOR

Handled WITH CARE

STOVE / OVEN DISHWASHER

adcocksappliance 037

Emmie P’s Bistro and Bakery EMperfected Beauty Lawn Doctor of Texarkana-Magnolia-Idabel Libertea House Local Lore Apparel Nash Eye Care The Vault Premiere Flea Market Triple C Repair

Pawn Shop

C & L Pawn East Street Pawn and Jewelry EZ Pawn Paul’s Pawn & Gun Pawn Express Roy’s Pawn Shop Texarkana Arkansas Tristate Pawn

Pest Control

Bug Bully Termite and Pest Control Jones Termite and Pest Control Lawn Doctor of Texarkana-Magnolia-Idabel Lawrence Termite and Pest Control Patterson Pest Control Pest-Pro Services Pillow Termite and Pest Control

Pet Groomer

Absolutely A Cut Above Connie Coker Doggie Divas Furr Cutz Georgia's Pet Salon Lydia Gill Paradise Pets Paw Paw Patch

Plumbing Company

Absolute Plumbing Solutions Central Heating and Air Dr. Plumbington Evenflow Plumbing Jory’s Plumbing Pegleg Plumbing, LLC Pipe Monkey Plumbing Shur-Flow Services

Roofing Company

Bohon Roofing & Construction Born to Roof Texas GillRay Roofing Co. Langford Roofing Over The Top Roofing Perez Roofing R.B.T. Roofing Skyline TXK Roofing

Shoes & Boots

Bones & Arrow Boutique Boot Barn Cavender’s Luna Boutique Nelsons Boots Racquet and Jog Red Wing Rocking H Boots & Saddlery The Ranchers Wife

Social Media Presence by Company/ Organization Beaute’ Realm Lash Salon Concho Hearts Hospice Emmie P’s Bistro and Bakery Eternal Beauty Medical Aesthetics Graham Slam Bakery Lavender Thorne Metro Texarkana News & Reports Miller County Sheriffs Office Peak Fighting Championship Red River Credit Union Texarkana Arkansas Police Dept Texarkana Emergency Center Texarkana Gameday Texarkana ISD Texarkana Texas Police Department

Title Company

Capital Title of Texas Miller County Abstract & Title Southwest Title Company Stewart Title of Texarkana Texarkana Title & Abstract Company Twin City Title Company

Visit www.alt-mag.com to vote for your choices in the Readers Choice Awards November 1 - November 30.

Winners announced in the February 2025 issue of ALT! 038

A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

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Service & Installation Custom Systems for Home • Business • Church • School •Professional & Custom Home Entertainment Systems •In Wall & In Ceiling Speakers • TV Wall Mounts •Surround Sound & Flatscreen Installation • Remote Control Programming •Outdoor Speaker Systems • Wire Concealment Management

Thank You

for nominating us for

Best Home Tech Services!

(903)278-0830 | www.soundzgoodtxk.com 301A Industrial Blvd | Nash, TX 75569

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Like us on Facebook

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Hamilton’s HEAT & AIR • SERVICE & NEW INSTALLATION

29 N. Valley Drive, Texarkana, AR 71854 • 903.277.5462

The new degree of comfort.

TM

Thank you for nominating us for

BEST IN HEATING & COOLING SERVICES

We will always be your partner in WINE!

20% Off Wine

November 25th through Christmas!

870.772.0613 • 820 Realtor Road • Texarkana, AR A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

0 41

Veterinarian Company

Care Pet Clinic Cass County Veterinary Oubre Animal Clinic Pleasant Grove Animal Hospital Rankin Veterinary Clinic Stateline Animal Hospital Westridge Animal Hospital Wisdom Animal Clinic

WEDDING Wedding Cake

Bri Flanagan Cakes by Carrie Graham Slam Bakery Julie’s Deli and Market Maddie Cakes Sugar Mills Bakery and Events Sweet Art Cakery The Cake Boutique

Wedding Caterer

Chef on the Run Garrison Gardens Catering, Mary Colorigh Julie's Deli and Market Main Street Cafe and Catering, Chef Preston Naaman's Championship BBQ Silver Spoon Sugar Mills Bakery and Events

, u o Y hank

T

for nominating us

BEST Computer Repair / Service Company!

HARD DRIVE REPLACEMENT | WINDOWS RESTORATION | VIRUS RECOVERY SCREEN REPAIR | DATA TRANSFER | CONNECTION PROBLEMS

SERVING TEXARKANA FOR OVER 20 YEARS!

Thank You, for nominating us for BEST Home Builder and Home Improvement!

Wedding DJ

Chris Daly Chuck Guilbert Dj Hollygrove Fabienne’s Mobile DJ Service Jam Master D Lynn Roberts Entertainment Wes Spicher

Wedding Florist

4D Flowers and Gifts Colley’s Cottage Field of Flowers Jennifer’s Designs, Winthrop, AR Ruth's Flowers The Flowerroom Florist & Gifts Unique Flowers & Gifts

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Specializing in: Custom Built Homes Custom Commercial Residential Remodels

EPPCOTXK.COM | 903-908-1044 JASONECONSTRUCTION@GMAIL.COM A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

ou y k n a h T

for nominating us for

Best Roofing Company!

Looking to install a new roof? Trust the experts at GilRay Roofing Co. We offer top-notch residential and commercial roof installation services.

gilrayroofingco.com | jraymond@gilrayroofingco.com | 903.949.1096

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Wedding Indoor Venue Blessing Tree Farm Crossties Four Fifteen Estates Garrison Gardens Ramage Farms Silvermoon on Broad The Collins Home Tree Haven

Wedding Outdoor Venue Blessing Tree Farms Dee's Barn & Venue Four Fifteen Estates Garrison’s Garden Ramage Farms The Collins Home Tree Haven Twin Creek Lake Pavillion

Wedding Rentals

Dots Rentals Events and Moore J Cole Designs Memorable Events Mirror Photo Booth Sugar Snaps Event Rentals

Thank You

for nominating us for

Best Florist, Gift Shop, and Wedding Florist!

903.293.1400 Fieldofflowerstexarkana.com 4010 Summerhill Square, Texarkana, TX 75503 fieldsofflowers_texarkana Fields Of Flowers

Wedding Reception Venue Blessing Tree Farm Crossties Event Venue Dee's Barn & Venue Four Fifteen Estates Garrison Gardens Ramage Farms Silvermoon on Broad Texarkana Country Club The Collins Home Tree Haven

Thank you, for nominating us for

BEST HOTEL!

Wedding Rehearsal/Dinner Venue

Benchmark American Brasserie Crossties Event Venue Four Fifteen Estates Hopkin’s Ice House Silvermoon on Broad The Collins Home Tree Haven Twisted Fork Verona Italian Restaurant

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Where You Stay Matters!

2910 S. Cowhorn Creek Loop Texarkana, Texas 75503 (903) 792-1065 | Texarkana.hgi.com A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

GARRISON

Gardens

INTRODUCING

DONAVAN CHAPEL

903.244.7644 GARRISONGARDENS.COM

TEXARKANA, AR

Sitters come to you: in-home, hospital or retirement facility setting.

Sitter Services Include: Bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, exercising, toileting, positioning, assisting with self-administered medications, routine hair and skin care and transfer or ambulation.

FOR NOMINATING US FOR

GARDEN STORE/ LANDSCAPING BUSINESS!

A minimum of 4 hours is required!

Celebrating 19 Years in Business

Thank you for nominating us

BEST HOME HEALTH/CARE Owners, Karen Schmidt & Katheryn Schmidt

2010 Moores Lane, Suite 111

|

Texarkana, TX 75503

903.277.2191

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(903) 628-2991 • littlecountrygreenhouse.org 1442 Daniels Chapel Road • New Boston, Texas 045

BEAUTY

Phe Michelle, Oasis Beauty Time in a Bottle Day Spa

Barber

Hair Salon

Aaron Hardy, Style Studio Brandon Frix, Style Studio Cody’s Barber Shop Eye Envy Him Hairy Armadillo Barber Shop Logan, Meraki Salon Marlon Evans Matt Brown Nash Barber Shop Southern Edge Southern Grace Barber Shop Vince2clean, Vince Mcgaugh

Body Hair Removal Services

Annie Ratliff Skincare Brooke Odum Esthetics Emperfected Beauty Eternal Beauty Medical Aesthetics Jennifer Latham, Laser Beauty Lounge and Med Spa Kayla Lewis Beauty LoneStar Aesthetics and Wellness Time in a Bottle

Body Wraps

EMperfected Beauty ReNew Medical Spa Sheena Richardson, Massage by Sheena The Beauty and Wellness Center Time In A Bottle Tranquility Spa

Botox/Fillers

About Face Aesthetics Health Care Express - Age Management & Aesthetics Beauty & Wellness Center Elizabeth Williams, Laser Beauty Lounge and Med Spa Eternal Beauty Medical Aesthetics Kim Care Hearts on Broad LoneStar Aesthetics and Wellness Renew Medica Spa

Facial

Annie Ratliff Skincare Joyce Miller, Beauty & Wellness Center EMperfected Beauty Eternal Beauty Medical Aesthetics Kayla Lewis Beauty Madison Moody Esthetics 046

Adorn Salon Beauty Barr Creative Soul Salon Emmanuel Collective Fringe Hair & Beauty House The Meraki Salon Michele’s Hair Salon Natalleys Salon At Hart's on Broad Salon Haven Salt & Light Hair Co. Sheer County Style Studio The Edge Salon Tres Chic Salon

Hair Stylist

Brittni Layne Smith Courtney Foster, Bello Capelli Salon Holly Orr, Creative Soul Salon Jayme Culberson, Fringe Hair & Beauty House Jennifer Nason, The Meraki Salon Kaitlin Martin, Kaitlin Martin Beauty Lauren Vera-Gortney Lisa Harris, Style Studio Makayla Burns, Style Studio Michelle Cox, Bello Capelli Salon Morgan Hinman, Adorn Natalie Durham, Natalleys Salon At Hart’s on Broad Reala Jo Ward, Fringe Hair & Beauty House Summer Whisenhunt, Salon Haven Tommie Jones, Style Studio

IV Therapy

Kyle Groom, DeKalb Physician Group Elizabeth Williams, Laser Beauty Lounge and Med Spa Eternal Beauty Medical Aesthetics LoneStar Aesthetic & Wellness Red River Health, Red River Infusion Pharmacy Renew Integrated Medical Spa

Microdermabrasion

Age Management & Aesthetics EMperfected Beauty Eternal Beauty Medical Aesthetics Kayla Lewis Beauty Madison Moody Esthetics ReNew Medical Spa The Beauty and Wellness Center Time in a Bottle A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

NOVEMBER 17TH | 2PM - 4PM FOOD | GIVEAWAY | SPECIALS THANK YOU FOR NOMINATING US THIS YEAR: BEST BODY HAIR REMOVAL SERVICES, BEST BOTOX/FILLERS, BEST IV THERAPY, BEST SPA

1724 Galleria Oaks Drive, Texarkana, TX 75503 A L T M a g a z i n e | N o v ewww.lonestarhealthwellness.com mber 2024

THANK YOU FOR 5 AMAZING YEARS! 0 47

Thank You

for nominating us,

Best Hospice Care in Texarkana Value Driven, High Quality And Compassionate Care.

2010 Moores Lane, Suite 109 | Texarkana, TX 75503 O: (903) 710-1380 | F: 1-817-585-4815 Conchoheartshospice.com | info@conchoheartshospice.com

Thank You,

For nominating us for BEST Florist and Wedding Florist!

(870) 653-2321 4dflowersandgifts.com 4dflowersandgifts@gmail.com 506 N Monster Expy, Fouke, AR 71837

FRIENDS ARE FLOWERS IN THE GARDEN OF LIFE

FAST. FRIENDLY. AFFORDABLE.

Thank You

for nominating us for,

BEST Garden Store / Landscaping!

David Moya Owner 048

903.701.3622 DavidMoya72@icloud.com

4M Moya Landscaping A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

Thank You! 2024-2025 SEASON REGISTRATION IS OPEN! SIGN UP TODAY!

for the nomination!

Studio M Dance Academy for BEST Dance Studio TEXT 903.908.0104 TO BOOK FOR AND YOUR NEXT BIG EVENT! Madison Moody Esthetics for BEST Make-up Artist, Facials, and Microdermabrasion (903) 276-7930 | 3704 New Boston Road, Texarkana, TX 75501 Studiomtxk@gmail.com | studiomdancetxk.com

Thank You

for nominating us for,

Best Chic Clothing & Best Hair Removal Services, Body Wraps, Facial, Microdermabrasion, Massage Therapist, and Spa.

Time in a Bottle Day Spa 2801 Robin Lane | Texarkana, Texas (903) 832-6951 A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

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Spa

Retirement / Assisted Living Community

Eternal Beauty Medical Aesthetics EMperfected Beauty Laser Beauty Lounge and Med Spa LoneStar Aesthetics and Wellness Renew Medical Spa The Beauty and Wellness center Time in a Bottle Day Tranquility Day Spa

Autumn Wind Brookedale Senior Living Colonial Lodge Assisted Living Cornerstone Retirement Community Cowhorn Creek Estates Retreat at Kenwood Assisted Living The Oaks

Urgent Care

HEALTH

Collom & Carney Clinic Exceed Health Clinic Family Medical Center HealthCARE Express Total Access Health and Wellness Twin City Medical

Emergency Room

Christus St. Michael Hospital Little River Memorial Hospital SignatureCare Emergency Center Texarkana Emergency Center & Hospital Wadley Regional Medical Center

WINE & DINE

Fitness Center/Gym

BBQ

Anytime Fitness – Wake Village GYMBOX Fitness TXK Fitness Icon Gyn Legand’s Gym Planet Fitness Sling Fit Thrive Yoga TXK Elite CrossFIT Wacha Resolution

Home Health/Care

Ashleys Care and House Call Chambers Home Health Enhabit Home Health Heritage Home Health Retreat Home Health Services Sitters VitalCaring Group Home Health

Big Gilley’s Smokehouse Big Jakes BBQ Blue Ember Smokehouse Clay-Bos BBQ Naaman’s Championship BBQ

THANK YOU! FOR NOMINATING US FOR

BEST MORTGAGE COMPANY Contact us today to learn more!

Hospice Care

Chambers Hospice Concho Hearts Hospice Dierkson Hospice Enhabit Home Health and Hospice Heritage Hospice Hospice Texarkana Retreat Hospice Services

903-278-8003 | 5321 Summerhill Rd, Texarkana, TX 75503

John Jarvis

Branch Manager NMLS 1573579 050

Kathy Crowder Brandi Langford Thomas Townsend Sales Manager NMLS 419078

Loan Officer NMLS 2311171

Loan Officer NMLS 1951230

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COMMERCIAL MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Thank You! NOMINATED FOR

BEST HOME BUILDER IN TEXARKANA! OWNERS: BRAD MEADOR & BRANDON TAYLOR 903-809-8183 903-701-5797

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Randy’s Smokehouse BBQ Silver Star Smokehouse

Desserts

Better Bits Bakery Cookie Lady Emmie P’s Bistro and Bakery Graham Slam Bakery Julies Deli & Market Susie Q’s Catering and Bakery Sweet Arts Cakery Taste & See The Cake Boutique The Cake House Twisted Fork

Fish

82 Eats Doc's Seafood & Steak Flying Burger Naaman’s Pelican Fish and Seafood Pier 27 Pop's Place Roux Ga Roux The Fishbowl

Fries

Bubba’s 33 Hopkins Iron Wood Julies Deli & Market Naaman’s Championship BBQ Old Tyme Burger Shoppe Pop's Place Redbone Magic Brewing Three Chicks Cafe TLC Burgers and Fries Wingstop

Hamburger

237 Grocery 82 Eats Flying Burger & Seafood Hopkins Ice House Old Tyme Burger Shoppe TLC Burgers and Fries Wayback Burger

Pizza

Bubba’s 33 Gusano’s Chicago - Style Pizzeria Hopkins Ice House Joe's Pizza and Pasta Keller’s Coffee Co Lost Pizza Company Redbone Magic Brewing Scooter’s Pizza Twisted Fork Underground Pizza Co.

Steak

Benchmark American Brasserie Doc's Steak and Seafood IronWood Grill Naaman’s Championship BBQ Pop's Place Silver Star Smokehouse Texas Roadhouse Twisted Fork Verona Italian Restaurant

Wine List

1923 Banana Club Benchmark American Brasserie IronWood Grill Twisted Fork Verona Italian Restaurant

Thank you

for nominating us for

1201 Arkansas Blvd.

Texarkana, AR 71854 (870)330-9132 052

BEST Desserts, Wedding Cake, & Social Media Presence!

Graham Slam Bakery @grahamslambakery A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

Th

u o y ank

for nominating us for Best Social Media Presence by Company

y Your Luxur Medical Spa

Best Body Hair Removal Services Best Botox/Fillers Best Facial Best IV Therapy Best Microdermabrasion

Best Spa

Call us today for an appointment!

Elizabeth Jacobsen Owner Abbygayle Elizabeth Hudspeth, Esthetician

Heather Nalepa Licensed Massage Therapist

Jordan Felker LVN

Loryn Kimble Esthetician

Tymeshia Fairrow Customer Relations Specialist

Emily Hudspeth Patient Relations

5510 Summerhill Road | Texarkana, TX 75503 | (903) 278-9566 eternalbeautytexarkana.com | tksmith@eternalbeautytexarkana.com

HOURS: Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm | Appointments Saturday-Sunday or after 5pm as available.

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Thank You!

ORDER

ONLINE @ juliesdeli.com PHONE @ 903.792.3354

MADE FROM SCRATCH

BEST OF: Brunch Caterer Chef Desser ts Fries Locally Owned Lunch Spot Wedding Cake Wedding Caterer

PRE-ORDER before 11/22

Thank You,

for nominating us for

Best Hamburger, Fries, Pizza, Wings, Happy Hour, Brunch, Lunch Spot, Downtown Texarkana Locally Owned, and Corner of 3rd and Wood (870) 774-FEED (3333) Outdoor Dining!

BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT IN OUR NEW PARTY ROOM!

Order Your Holiday Pies!

OLD TYME BURGER

1205 ARKANSAS BLVD. 870-772-5775 A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

Non-Smoking | Outdoor Patio | Entertainment District

LIVE MUSIC. KILLER EATS. COOL DRINKS. 055

Wings

Gourmet Dinner

Brunch

Happy Hour

Bubba’s 33 Gusano’s Chicago - Style Pizzeria Hopkins Ice House Lost Pizza Co. Redbone Magic Brewery Wingstop

Cafe Lucille’s Emmie P’s Bistro and Bakery Hopkins Ice House IronWood Grill Julie's Deli and Market Keller’s Coffee Co. Redbone Magic Brewing The Duke Verona Italian Restaurant

Date Night Restaurant

Benchmark American Brasserie Fuji Kim’s IronWood Grill Lost Pizza Naaman’s Championship BBQ Pecan Point Gastropub Brewery Pop’s Place Redbone Magic Brewery Twisted Fork Verona Italian Restaurant

Benchmark American Brasserie IronWood Grill Pecan Point Gastropub Brewery Pop’s Place Twisted Fork Verona Italian Restaurant

1923 Banana Club Benchmark American Brasserie Gusanos Hopkins Icehouse Naaman’s Championship BBQ Pecan Point Gastropub Brewery Redbone Magic Brewing Silver Star Smokehouse Twisted Fork Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant

Locally Owned Restaurant

82 Eats Benchmark American Brasserie Big Gilleys Cafe Lucille Dixie Dinner Emmie P’s Bistro and Bakery Fuji Kim’s Hopkins Icehouse IronWood Grill

! u o Y Thank

For the nomination for

BEST Wedding Cakes, Wedding Caterer, and Caterer!

Specializes in custom cakes made to your design and signature decorated sugar cookies. New additions include the mobile service trailer The Copper Top and other wedding/event rentals.

SERVING TEXARKANA AREA FOR OVER 8 YEARS! 113 N West Street, New Boston, TX 75570 : (903) 628-8379 : sugarmillnb.com

Visit www.alt-mag.com to vote for your choices in the Readers Choice Awards November 1 - November 30.

Winners announced in the February 2025 issue of ALT! 056

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Thank You, Texarkana!

For Nominating Us Best

Wedding Rehearsal/ Dinner Venue, Steak, Brunch, Date Night, Wine List, Gourmet Dinner, Locally Owned Restaurant, & Chef Hector Jimenez

Booking Holiday Parties Now!

Wednesday or Thursday only.

Open on Tuesday for Private Events* *Must be booked in advance

• Great outdoor Dining • Voted best seafood in town • amazing steaks • Locally Owned

• Texarkana’s best kept secret for over 25 years!

Wednesday - Friday : 5:00pm to 9:00pm Saturday : 3:00pm to 9:00pm

(870) 773-4887 6701 E Broad St. Texarkana, AR 71854

212 E Broad St. | Texarkana, AR 71854 | (870)-773-4444

Thank you for nominating me for

ALT Magazine’s

Best Pediatrician Dr. Cindy R Porter, MD

Board Certified Pediatrician

in Texarkana!

Kindness. Caring. Love.

903-614-3211 | Fax: 903-614-3590 Collom & Carney Clinic | 5002 Cowhorn Creek A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

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Julie's Deli and Market Keller Coffee Company Naaman’s Championship BBQ Old Tyme Burger Shoppe Pecan Point Gastropub Brewery Pop's Place Redbone Magic Brewing Roux GaRoux Sue & Carols Twisted Fork Verona Italian Restaurant Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant

Lunch Spot

Bre’s Salad Hut Cafe Lucille Emmie P’s Bistro and Bakery Fuzzy’s Taco Hopkins Icehouse IronWood Grill Julie’s Deli and Market The Lunchbox Mother Kelly’s Naaman’s Championship BBQ Old Tyme Burger Shoppe Tacos 4 Life Three Chicks Feed and Seed TLC Burger and Fries

1923 Banana Club

ou y k n a h T For Nominating Us For

Best Wine List and Best Happy Hour!

OPEN THURSDAY-SATURDAY WITH LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEK!

2 2 3 F R O N T S T R E E T, T E X A R K A N A , A R K A N S A S

Outdoor Dining

Cafe Lucille Duke’s Bar and Grill Hopkins Icehouse Lost Pizza Co. Naaman’s Championship BBQ Pop’s Place Redbone Magic Brewing Three Chicks Feed and Seed

Trivia Bar Night

Gusano’s Chicago-Style Pizzeria Lost Pizza Co. Pop’s Place Redbone Magic Brewery The Wild Haire Twisted Fork

Caterer

Chef on the Run Emmie P’s Bistro and Bakery JR’s Catering Company Julie’s Deli & Market Naaman’s Championship BBQ Silver Spoon 058

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Miller County Abstract & Title

www.millercountyabstract.com

Thank you Texarkana!

FOR NOMINATING US FOR BEST

TITLE COMPANY!

We are extremely grateful for our customers and the support from this community!

Services Title Examination Title Commitment or Binder Policy Issuance Endorsements Escrow Services

Insured Closing Letter Settlement Services Title Updates for Draws Construction Loan Draw Endorsements

1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges REO Services Underwriting counsel available to discuss Title Underwriting Issues

ONLY LOCALLY OWNED TITLE COMPANIES! 3310 Arista Blvd, TXK, TX 300 E Hoskins, New Boston, TX A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

www.twincitytitle.com www.millercountyabstract.com

Like Us on Facebook

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Sugar Mill Bakery & Events The Lunchbox

Chef

Becky Williams, Cafe Lucille Cory House, Texas High School Culinary Arts Academy in Texarkana Jeff Loving, Chef on the Run Jennifer Tanner, Julie’s Deli & Market Joey Shankle, Benchmark American Brasserie Pam Elliott Hector Jimnez, Verona Italian Restaurant William Harris, Emmie P’s Bistro and Bakery

COMMUNITY Company to Work For

CHRISTUS St. Michael Cornerstone Retirement Community Farmers Bank & Trust Lavender Thorne Ledwell & Sons Enterprise Inc. PAM Health Specialty Hospital Red River Credit Union Retreat Heathcare Services Texarkana Arkansas Police Department Texarkana Independent School District Texarkana Therapy Center Total Medical Supply, Inc.

Elected Official

Allen Brown, Mayor of Texarkana Arkansas Mike Brower, Chief Appraiser for Bowie County Bob Bruggerman, Mayor of Texarkana Texas Cathy Hardin Harrison, Miller County Judge Jeff Neal, Sheriff of Bowie County Michael Rayburn, Justice of the Peace for District 8 Wayne Easley, Sheriff of Miller County Terry Roberts, Ward 1 Director

Thank You for nominating us for

Best Hair Salon, Hair Stylist, and Barbers

PEOPLE Artist

Daniel Rushing Darlene Taylor Jes Weiner Joel Wright Joseph Raymond Mary Jane Orr Shea Phillips

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Brandon Tommie Lisa Makayla Aaron Frix Jones Harris Burns Hardy

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

(903) 223-1719 4040 Gibson Ln • Texarkana, TX 75503 A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

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Tyler Arnold

Kelli Ashbrook

Cosmetic Surgeon

Brent Carmony Charles Hollingsworth David Whitten Zackary Legan

3410 Moores Lane Texarkana, TX 75503 (903)-223-8100 Kelliashbrook.com

Decorator/Designer

Alicia Woodle Designs J Cole Designs Janet Cross Jeff Brown Lauren Calloway Lynlee Builds at home + Work

510 N Highway 59 Atlanta, TX 75551 (903)-796-8100 Autoinsurancebomb.com

Thank You, Best Insurance Agent for nominating me for

Dentist

R E A DE R

S

CHOICE

ALT

AR DS AW

Mark Addington DDS Andrew Cury, DDS Castle Family Dental Chris Ferguson DDS David Vammen John Thane Josh Talley Lippian Family Dentistry Nick Cockerell, Pleasant Grove dentist

2022

magazine

Thank You for nominating us for ALT Magazine’s

Best Optometrist

4109 Moores Lane Texarkana, TX 75503 (903) 329-5051 4504 Texas Blvd Texarkana, TX 75503 (903) 792-3705

theeyeguysoftxk.com

Dr. Sean Summers

Dr. Eric McCall

Dr. Priscilla Kier

Dr. Jeff Phillips

Visit www.alt-mag.com to vote for your choices in the Readers Choice Awards November 1 - November 30.

Winners announced in the February 2025 issue of ALT! 062

A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

Owner, Stephen Brown

Traditional Barbershop with real barbers that use a straight razor and give the best fades.

Walk-ins are always welcome and we offer appointments if you can’t wait.

Come see us today!

We would love to have your business!

Services Mens . . . $25 | Kids . . . $15 Hot Towel Shave & Beard. . . $ 15 3002 Richmond Rd, 430-455-2979 Texarkana, TX 903-306-3642 hairyarmadillobarbering.setmore.com

Thank you For nominating me for

Best Surgeon

Thank You! for the nomination for BEST Investment Advisior!

Sending Everyone Holiday Wishes From All Of Us At

Stringer Wealth Management

Beth Peterson, MD FACS

1620 North Kings Highway // Nash, TX 75569 903.223.0011 // Fax 903.223.0589 Dustin.Stringer@RaymondJames.com www.stringerwealthmanagement.net

Board certified General Surgeon

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Torin Marrciano, Pleasant Grove Family Dentistry Sarah Payne

Pediatric Dentist

Brian Steele, Ark-La-Tex Pediatric Dentistry Chris Potts, The Kids Spot Dentistry Leslee Higgins, Leap Kids Dental Mitchell Glass, Pediatric Dentistry of Texarkana Danley, Arklatex Pediatrics

Electrician

Artex Electric Dennis Bayless H & K Electric Integrity Electric Liberty Electric LiveWire Electrical Services Lucas Berry, Eelectrical Wizard Nantze Electric Spark Free Electric, Zack Pearson

Family Practitioner

Andrea Heflin, Texarkana Sr Care Clinic Angela Ramsey Brian Bowen Brittney Ackley

Cara Cook, Family Medical Group Craig Mueller, FNP Greg Richter Kyle Groom, Dekalb Physicians Clinic Mark Gabbie Patrick Smith Family medical group San Nix Steve Allen, Family Medical Tara Capeheart, Twin City Medical Trey Pirkey Troy Potter Wendy Gammon

Insurance Agent

Brian Purtle, Allstate Insurance Coy Mason, Miller County Farm Bureau Derrick McGary, State Farm Jake Hambleton, State Farm Insurance Justin Magness, State Farm Insurance Kelli Ashbrook, State Farm Insurance Leslie Jordan, Farmers Union Insurance Scott Sanders, Allstate Trey Dickens, Texas farm bureau

Make-Up Artist

Thank You Texarkana, for nominating me for

Best Realtor

Tracy Spradlin Broker

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Carlee Batte Hailey Cherry Hanson, Hailey Cherry MUA Katlin Martin, Katlin Martin Beauty Kayla Lewis, Kayla Lewis Beauty Kimberly Bearden, Kimberly Bearden Beauty Kristy Glascock, Flawless Faces by Kristy Glascock Lauren Starkey Madison Moody, Madison Moody Esthetics Makayla Burns, The Style Studio Phe Michelle, Arched Brow Studio

Massage Therapist

Chad Hunter, LMT Dijon Walker at Living Well Heather Nalepa, Eternal Beauty Medical Aesthetics Jared Tucker, Ascension Modern Massage Kinsey Ward, Living Well Chiropractic Reeves Ingram, Beauty & Wellness Center Sheena Richardson, Laser Beauty Lounge & Med Spa Tiffany Winchell, Massage Therapy by Tiffany Time in a Bottle Spa Tranquility Day Spa

D'Andra Bingham, Collom & Carney Clinic David Greathouse, Collom & Carney Clinic James Scales, Genesis Prime Care Jennifer Thompson, Collom & Carney Clinic Kenneth West, The Women’s Specialists Sarah Greathouse, Wadley Stacy Leonard Sudheer Jayaprabhu, The Women’s Specialists Thomas Wilson, CHRISTUS St. Michael

Optometrist

Adam Cox - Family Eye Care Eric McCall- The Eye Guys Fant Eye Care- Dr Galdamez Randall Glass, Fowler Optical Jeff Philips Jessica Trichel, Nash Eye Care Littleton Fowler Mark Allen, Ark La Tex Eyes Summers at Eye Guys

Occupational Therapist

OB-GYN

Thank You, Texarkana,

for nominating us for

Real Estate - Property Management

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Carly at Texarkana therapy center Cori Mobbs Dorie Pearson Dr. Brenda J. Stuart-Howel Lance Vestal Mia Kemp Tammy Heminger, OTR

Henry Property Management Impact Realty Group PH property management Raffaelli Property Management- Autumn Wilson Snow Development Total Real Estate Solutions White Property

Pediatrician

Tattoo Artist

Cheryl Saul Sehy, Collom & Carney Clinic Christina Payne, Collom & Carney Clinic Cindy Porter, Collom & Carney Clinic Clark Green, Collom & Carney Clinic Mark Wright, Collom & Carney Clinic Rachel King, King Medical Clinic Tracie Calloway, Healing Hands Pediatrics Zackariah King, Collom & Carney Clinic

Physical Therapist

Claire Ashby Jenna Sturgeon Joel Inglasias Lauren Foster Norton Lesa Shipp Martha Jennings Rachel Grimett, Southern Rehab Russ Nelson, CHRISTUS St. Michael Outpatient Rehabilitation

Realtor

Amber Gideon-Stewart, Coldwell Banker Elite Ashley Cooper, Coldwell Banker Elite Blaken Underwood, Exit Realty Unlimited Daphne Roberson Lauren Calloway, PH Realty Monica Kelley, Monica D. Kelley, Realtor Lynn Pierce, Exit Realty Unlimited Kim Williams, PH Realty Sarah Sealy, Griffin Realtors Sherry Jo Ingram, Exit Realty Unlimited Sydney Wicks, PH Realty Tracy Spradlin, Impact Realty Group

Real Estate - Commercial

Brian Henry REMAX Preferred Impact Realty Group Mike Ingram Jerry Brewer, NAI Real Estate Richard Reynolds Scout Property Group

Allan McEneaney Hunter McCarver Jason Standridge Joaquin Hernandez Justin Birtcher Lyndsey Ellsworth Matt Hendricks Michael Clubine Nathan “Bum” Biddle Russ Beydler “Redneck Russ”

Surgeon

Benjamin DuBois, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Beth Peterson, Wadley Regional Hospital Douglas Thompson, Texarkana Orthopedics Jeffrey DeCaprio, Collom & Carney Clinic John Reid, CHRISTUS Trinity Health Marcus Smith, CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital Mark Sutherland, Texarkana Surgical Specialists Meko Radomski, Collom & Carney Clinic Randy Schmidt, CHRISTUS Surgery Associates Trey Mitchell, CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Thomas Young, CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System

Visit www.alt-mag.com to vote for your choices in the Readers Choice Awards November 1 - November 30.

Winners announced in the February 2025 issue of ALT!

Real Estate - Property Management 066

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Have Confidence With Connie!

8.9 ACRES TOUCHING GOLF COURSE OFF N. BOUNDARY RD @OAK GROVE C GOLF COURSE

$249,900

OAK GROVE GOLF COURSE LOTS

Connienations626@gmail.com Cell: 903-277-0100 Connie.nations@remax.net 903-794-5250 www.remax.com

$60,000

2.4 ACRES PRIME FOR TRUCK STOP WITH INTERSTATE FRONTAGE OFF HWY 151 AND S. STATELINE

$295,000

A LENDER YOU CAN

Count On

For many, buying a home is the largest financial event of their life. If you’re looking to buy a home this fall, you deserve the peace of mind knowing that your lender has the experience and knowledge to do the job right.

JASON CREE Cell: 903.277.2726 Office: 903.223.5632

Branch Manager | Sr. Loan Officer NMLS #209270

jcree@swbc.com | www.jasoncree.com 3101 Kennedy Lane, Suite 200 Texarkana, TX 75503 © 2021 SWBC. All rights reserved. Loans are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and conditions may apply. Programs and guidelines are subject to change without notice. Rates are subject to change daily. Corporate office located at 9311 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78216. SWBC Mortgage Corporation, NMLS #9741 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). 1060-A4314 01/21

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Kirstyn DBP Model 2024 068

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Landscape . Architecture . Commercial . Headshots . Pets

903.278.4444 / 903.334.9605 debbiebrower.com /Award Winning Photography

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LET US HELP YOU STAY FOCUSED THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS!

24/7 access

AMAZING LOCATIONS FOR EVERYONE! (903) 796-5438 | 108 N Loop 59 | Atlanta, TX 75551 (870) 772-4328 | 2229 Trinity Blvd. | Texarkana, AR 71854 (870) 898-5700 | 1420 Constitution Ave. | Ashdown, AR 71822 (903) 832-5438 | 600 North Kings Hwy | Wake Village, TX 75501 (903) 628-0035 | 980 James Bowie Drive | New Boston, TX 75570

BE

ANXIOUS ABOUT

NOTHING, BUT IN

EVERYTHING

BY PRAYER & PETITION, WITH

THANKSGIVING, LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN TO

GOD. PHILIPPIANS 4:6

Sunday Services, 10 am Christian Warriors Church, 2101 E 50th St, Texarkana, AR 71854 Love God. Serve Others. Teach Truth.

WANT TO ADVERTISE? ASK US HOW TODAY 903.334.9605 OR EMAIL DEBBIE@ATL-MAG.COM 070

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Tax Tip This year, the Texas State Legislature is requiring ALL appraisal districts in the state to start a program in which they verify residential homesteads. The legislature doesn’t give any guidance as to how it will be conducted, and of course, it will cost the taxpayers lots of money.

and file for a new one. Each application filed in the office is one less that will need to be mailed. If you don’t file for a new Homestead, you risk losing the homestead for the year you didn’t refile.

It takes about five minutes to do. All you do is sign the form and provide a copy of your driver’s license.

Here in Bowie County, the district is working on getting new homestead applications filled out by as many people as possible in the “over 65” category while people are in the office paying taxes. Next year, the district will be working on “General Homesteads.”

I would encourage everyone to take care of this as soon as possible, or if you receive one in the mail, please return it as quickly as possible.

If you have any questions, call 903-7938936; we will gladly help.

If you live in Texas and are near the office at 122 Plaza West, please stop by

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financial focus

STRINGER WEALTH MANAGEMENT RAYMOND JAMES FINANCIAL STRINGERWEALTHMANAGEMENT.NET

007722

A MID-RETIREMENT CHECK-IN RETIREMENT & LONGEVITY

Evaluate your retirement beyond health and wealth.

As you move through retirement, it’s important to set time aside to reflect on how you’re doing.

While most people often focus on their health and finances, it’s equally as important to think about other areas of your life as you approach the midpoint of your retirement, which could be between the ages of 70 and 80, depending on your longevity. This is the time to ask yourself some broader questions to ensure you’re making the most of the years you’ve worked so hard to enjoy.

A holistic retirement check at the halfway point can make sure you stay on track. To get a better understanding of what you should take into consideration, observe the lives of retirees around you and think about the choices they’ve made. Then, reflect on these questions.

Does my home still work for me?

According to a study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, retirees spend an average of 1.77 hours per day on housework, like cleaning and laundry. This can vary greatly depending on the size of the house, the number of rooms and the amount of outside maintenance required, like shoveling snow or mowing the lawn. If you find yourself wanting to ease up on household chores, downsizing might be a good solution.

Besides less upkeep, it provides an opportunity to declutter and simplify your life, which can be quite satisfying, even liberating.

On the other hand, you may not want to reduce your square footage. If you frequently have your children or grandchildren over for

extended stays, you might need a place with an additional bedroom. If hosting holidays and other gatherings brings you joy, having enough space to create cherished memories may be important to you. Everyone’s situation is different, but you should ask yourself how the space is working for you.

If you’re someone who can’t quite tackle stairs lately or requires other accommodations, then accessibility may be top of mind. A single-story home could make it easier to move around.

Alternatively, a new condominium may be a good choice. Many modern condos come equipped with features that help ensure you can move about comfortably without any difficulties.

Let’s not forget about location. And we don’t mean the beach or the mountains. Do you have family members spread across the country?

Moving closer to children or grandchildren who can help you with caregiving or errands as you age may be attractive. Even if you’d always dreamed of retirement in Arizona and have enjoyed it, companionship from family may top your priority list and lead you to evaluate where you have more connections.

Do I have any health concerns cropping up?

As you hit the midpoint of your retirement, it’s natural to experience some changes in your health. If you’re fit as a fiddle, then congratulations! However, it’s still important to think about the availability and proximity of your doctors, as well as any insurance changes A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

that may be necessary. If you know you’ll need a knee replacement soon, examine your health plan and consider what this upcoming surgery might cost under different options.

During Medicare’s annual open enrollment from October 15 to December 7, you can make any changes necessary to your insurance coverage.

Some Medicare Advantage Plans even give access to gym memberships and fitness classes. The SilverSneakers program, which is widely known and accepted at facilities like the YMCA, is just one of them. Joining a gym will not only give you the opportunity to commit to regular physical activity, which can prevent health problems that come with age, but it can also give you a sense of community that benefits your mental health.

Am I spending time in a fulfilling way?

If you’ve always enjoyed your solo hobbies but are finding them a little lonely these days, consider joining a book club at the library or a walking group to help forge new connections.

The idea is to not be married to the hobbies you’ve always enjoyed. As life goes on and things change, so might your interests or needs. What once provided solace and relaxation might become stressful or feel like a chore. It may be time to add something new to the mix, to try something you’ve never done before or revive a pastime from decades ago.

How retirees spend the day

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average daily activities include: • Volunteering – 2.47 hours • Educational classes – 2.43 hours • Playing games – 2.08 hours • Gardening and lawn care – 2.07 hours • Reading – 1.98 hours • Socializing – 1.96 hours • Religious services – 1.85 hours

reflected in your estate planning documents and beneficiary designations.

The longer we live in retirement, the more challenging it is to course correct if need be. One way to ensure that you’re on track for a fulfilling retirement is to conduct a mid-retirement review. With the right adjustments, you can ensure your financial, health and overall well-being goals are all being met. *IMPORTANT: The projections or other information generated regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results and are not guarantees of future results. Results may vary with each use and over time. Asset allocation does not guarantee a profit nor protect against loss.

Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.

Sources: usatoday.com; nerdwallet.com; moneytalksnews. com; money.com; investopedia.com © 2023 Raymond James Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange / SIPC, and Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC, are subsidiaries of Raymond James Financial, Inc. Raymond James® and Raymond James Financial® are registered trademarks of Raymond James Financial, Inc.

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Do I need to make any adjustments to my finances or estate planning documents?

When it comes to managing your finances, start by examining your budget and determine if your income still aligns with your spending needs. The last thing you’d want to do is miss out on experiences like travel to avoid overspending. (In the same breath, you don’t want to sacrifice financial stability.)

That’s where advisors can help make adjustments, confirm whether your current asset allocation is still appropriate, and simulate portfolio response to life changes*. Remember to lean on them for advice when your financial needs or wishes change. Express your expectations for the second half of your retirement and include those aspirations in your budget to make sure they happen.

If you’ve experienced any major life changes (such as marriages, divorces, births or deaths) in the first half of retirement, ensure that any changes in your intentions are A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

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Suzie TK Snippets

By: Suzie Tyler

Holiday Celebrations We just celebrated Halloween! Kids used to have a blast dressing up as their favorite characters, going trick or treating, and returning home with a bag full of candy.

I remember my mother telling the story of when they moved in the 40s from a farm in Fouke, Arkansas, to Texarkana. Their closest neighbor was miles away, so when the kids showed up at their door in town with weird outfits and said something so fast, they could not understand the words; they did not know what they wanted! They learned and, the following year, were prepared. Most made homemade things like popcorn balls, candied apples, freshly baked cookies, or fruit. There was no Walmart available to purchase oversized bags of candy!

By the middle of the 1960s, times had changed! In Houston, a man put razor blades inside apples, and several children were severely injured. For an added safety measure, hospitals would allow you to take your bags of candy to be X-rayed to reveal any objects inserted into the candy or fruit. Parents began taking their children to people they knew, and now, few go trick-or-treating. Many churches and schools plan activities so kids can have a safe environment!

Stores are now more interested in making money selling candy and decorations. More people decorated for Halloween in our neighborhood this year than in recent years. Every year, retail stores bring out the holiday items earlier and earlier! Even before Halloween this year, some stores were putting out Christmas decorations.

I’m not here to discuss the right or wrong of celebrating Halloween, but if you are a Christian and choose to decorate your yard for Halloween, you should also decorate your yard for Christmas, the celebrated birth of the Savior. Something to think about!

Am I the only one who remembers 1973 when people were encouraged not to put up outdoor Christmas lights as part of a series of energy conservation measures to address the oil crisis that year?

I can remember when the Friday after Thanksgiving began the official Christmas season. No one put up a tree until after Thanksgiving. In our circle of friends, it was a competition to see who got their tree up first, and some girls would begin at midnight on the Friday after Thanksgiving so they could be first.

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy family time. Also, remember the people without close relatives and invite them to your family gathering.

You can follow SuzieTKWriter on my Facebook Writer Page, Instagram, Twitter (aka X), and Amazon Author page.

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Fish Tales with Mike Brower Have Rod, Will Travel Since I’m not tournament fishing anymore, I have embraced (once again) my trout/ fly fishing roots, and it’s working out. When Debbie and I travel, I often pack a fly rod, reel, and a few flies to fish with if I get an opportunity. It’s really not a problem to bring the stuff along.

This year, we are going on another Alaskan cruise, and I plan on fishing in Juneau and Ketchikan -- Juneau, with a guide and Ketchikan by myself. For this trip, I took a 9’ 8” #5 fly rod - it’s a nice all-around rod - a #5 reel, and about ten salmon flies and about ten trout flies. Now I’m not going wading anywhere, but I can be one of the “bank people” and fish from dry ground without much trouble, and hopefully I caught a fish or two.

I will mainly target Dolly Varden, Cutthroat, and Rainbows, but there should be some end of the spawn Sockeye and Silver Salmon hanging around to be caught.

I could catch more and larger fish if I just salmon fished and went out in a boat trolling, but that’s not my style. I would much rather be away from civilization fishing for some 12-16-inch trout in the woods, where there is also an opportunity to see some bears, even though they will have mostly denned up by now. I have fished in Alaska several times before, but this trip may be pushing the fishing to the limit as we are either the last or next to the last cruise of the season, and it will likely rain a lot while we are there. But rain and cold have never stopped me before, and it won’t stop me now.

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NOVEMBER From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli we will fight our country’s battles, in the air, on land and sea...

The Gaither Vocal Band Concert @ FBC Texarkana

Anchors aweigh, my boys, anchors aweigh.

Farewell to college joys, we sail at break of day...

For the Sake of One Hope Banquet

Downtown Live!

Texarkana 6pm

Annual TAPAS & WINE @ Collins Home

Veteran’s Fish Fry @ Elks 2771 12pm

Line Dancing Guitar Circle @ Elks Lodge @ Digital Press

Then it’s Hi! Hi! Hee! in the field artillery, Shout out your numbers loud and strong! For where e’er you go, you will always know, That the caissons are rolling along.

Board Game Sunday @ MeepleCity

Off we go into the wild, blue yonder, climbing high into the sun.

Here they come zooming to meet our thunder, “At ‘em boys, fly to the sun!”

We’re always ready for the call, we place our trust in Thee.

Through surf and storm and howling gale, high shall our purpose be.

TSO Star Wars @ Perot Theatre

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever @ Silvermoon Children’s Theatre

11th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk @ Spring Lake Park

Local Rescues BONDED PAIR

MURDOCK & LOVIE Passion For Pooches

TITIAN

Muttley Crew

COOKIE

Texarkana Animal League

MILLIE

Passion For Pooches

DIESEL

Muttley Crew

LITTLE MAN

Texarkana Animal League

SLUGGER

Passion For Pooches

DUDE

Muttley Crew

WHISKEY

Texarkana Animal League

ADOPT. DON’T SHOP. FOSTERS NEEDED!

CONTACT LOCAL RESCUES TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION! BOXER RESCUE OF TEXARKANA : Facebook.com/BoxerRescueOfTexarkana MUTTLEY CREW GERMAN SHEPHERD RESCUE : Facebook.com/MuttleyCrewRescue PASSION FOR POOCHES (mostly small dogs) : Facebook.com/passionforpooches TEXARKANA ANIMAL LEAGUE : Facebook.com/TexarkanaAnimalLeague TEXARKANA HUMANE SOCIETY : TexarkanaHumaneSociety.org : Facebook.com/TexarkanaHumaneSocietyInc : For more info call 903-824-8117 078

A LT M a g a z i n e | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 4

Happy Thanksgiving!

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