From the United States Congress

A few years ago, I met a young lady named Sara Kruzan, who shared her story as a child sex trafficking victim. At only 11 years old, Sara was groomed for a life of sex slavery by a man she trusted. At 13, Sara’s abuser forced her into sex work. After years of abuse at the hands of her trafficker, she escaped and later returned to retaliate against her abuser – killing him in the process.

Bruce Westerman

I introduced the Child Sex Crimes Victims Protection Act.

The bill was previously known as Sara’s Law, after Sara Kruzan’s story, which inspired me to introduce this legislation. Sara wanted the public to focus on the stories of all victims who have faced similar circumstances rather than just herself. Thus, the Child Sex Crimes Victims Protection Act.

At only 17 years old, after what I can only imagine felt like a lifetime of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, she was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Unfortunately, this story is not as unique as you and I may hope. Sara was pardoned, but many are not as fortunate.

It is gut-wrenching to know that other humans out there will do such unspeakable things to other humans – especially children – and if those victims retaliate and fight back, they could face life in prison rather than a chance at freedom to heal from their trauma.

The United States is one of the only nations in the world that allows child victims of sex trafficking and abuse who retaliate against their abusers to grow up in prison with no chance at parole or rehabilitation. That’s why

The bill would significantly reform how child victims of sex trafficking who retaliate against their abusers are sentenced. It would allow courts to consider the trauma the child has endured through sex trafficking, abuse, or assault when sentencing. Unfortunately, despite the trauma child victims of sex trafficking and abuse endure, they are often still prosecuted as adults for fighting back against their abusers.

I believe no child should grow up behind bars because they chose to fight back against their abuser when faced with unthinkable circumstances. We cannot allow these children to be left behind or forgotten. The Child Sex Crimes Victims Protection Act is a chance for Republicans and Democrats to work on something bigger than us. I’m proud to have bipartisan support for this bill, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to push this important legislation closer to the finish line.

One year ago, Congress passed, and the president signed into law, landmark legislation to deliver care to veterans and survivors living with toxic wounds of war. The “Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act” fulfills the promise made to the men and women who served in our nation’s uniform by expanding eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and health care to those who were exposed to toxic substances such as Agent Orange and burn pits during their military service. I was proud to champion this legislation and help secure its passage. I’m now channeling the same determination to provide oversight for its implementation and make sure veterans are aware of the new earned benefits. Veterans and survivors must file a claim before August 9 to be eligible for retroactive compensation. Post-9/11 combat veterans discharged more than 10 years ago and not enrolled in VA health care must enroll by October 1 to avoid a phased-in enrollment.

Bruce Westerman

In recent days, the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System hosted a “PACT Act” event in North Little Rock to help veterans identify potential exposure to toxins during their military service and file clams. It’s hosted similar outreach efforts in other areas of the state. The Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks has also launched initiatives in locations throughout Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley to inform veterans about the benefit.

To prepare the VA for the increase in toxic exposure claims and additional veterans eligible for benefits, the “PACT Act” included measures to bolster recruitment and retention of the workforce, especially in rural areas. This included new ways to incentivize health care professionals to practice at VA medical facilities.

The additional tools are making a big difference in the delivery of health care.

VA workforce data show the number of employees at the Veterans Health Administration has grown nearly five percent this year, the highest annual growth rate in more than 15 years.

The VA and Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) have been leading efforts to spread the word about enrollment timelines.

In written testimony to the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) in late July, VA leaders responsible for implementing the law called the promotion “the largest coordinated outreach campaign in VA history.”

Since its enactment, the VA has received more than 744,000 “PACT Act”-related claims, including more than 8,700 in Arkansas. Millions of other veterans may qualify to receive benefits under this law but have yet to file

The “PACT Act” represents the largest expansion of VA benefits in decades. While hundreds of thousands of veterans have filed claims for services and care allowed under the law, many more have yet to participate. We need an all hands-on-deck approach to share information with veterans in our communities who may have been denied a toxic exposure-related claim to file again. It is my hope Arkansas will join this effort and share this with veterans in their families, neighborhoods and churches to make sure these heroes know about the earned benefits available to them so they can file a claim as soon as possible.

Kitchens Kesterson was born June 6, 1936, the fifth of six siblings to Bert and Pearl Kitchens in the community Liberty Hill (Dierks) Arkansas. She attended and graduated from school in Dierks, Arkansas. June was united in marriage to Jim Kesterson on October 6, 1955, in Cashmere, WA. They were married 28 years until his death on December 8, 1983.

Mama attended school in Dierks, Arkansas, where she enjoyed playing basketball, which she was really good at. She received scholarships to play at colleges in Colorado and Texarkana but declined to attend, instead choosing to get married to Jim.

Mama was a big fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks, whether they were winning or not, she enjoyed shopping and going out to eat. She loved going to church and singing, above all else though she loved God, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom were her pride and joy. Mama loved attending church. She was a charter member of the Pleasant Grove Church of the Nazarene. She was a song leader for many years. She had a beautiful voice and played the piano, which she was self-taught.

Mama worked at Renova (shirt factory) for several years. Mama and Daddy raised chickens through the years. As well Mama worked as a dietician at the Polk County Memorial Hospital and retired after many years at Mena Medical Center. After retirement Mama decided to work part time at Area Agency and also to work part time at Beasley-Wood Funeral Home as a night sitter for nighttime family visitations.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Pearl Kitchens; husband, Jim Kesterson; son, Eddy Kesterson; daughter, Sharon Kesterson; sisters, Lorene Krantz, Jane Wallace, Faye Dixon; brothers, Dorman Kitchens, Dwight Kitchens; great-grandchild; Coltor Lane; son-in-law, Bill Johnston.

She is survived by her son, Brian Kesterson and wife Sonja of Mena, Arkansas; daughters, Phyllis Sirmon and husband Gregg of Mena, Arkansas, Lisa Callahan and husband Tommey of Mena, Arkansas; grandchildren, Clint Lane, Dana Ward and husband Chris, Ashley Sharp and husband Scott, Kayla White, Sallie Riggins and husband Will, Mason Johnston and wife Jessica; Pilar Fowler and husband Nathan, Allie Dowdy, and husband Donald, Sage Kesterson and wife Jayzlee, Kiara Kesterson, and Lila Kesterson; 24 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Vaughn Kesterson and wife Mary, Hollis Kesterson and wife Marsha, sisters-in-law, Arlene Kesterson and Sue Kesterson; and several nieces, nephews, friends and a special friend Dee Roberts.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Elite Hospice and the staff at Homewood Cottages, especially cottage #5.

Services for Mrs. Kesterson will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 27, 2023, at the Pleasant Grove Church of Nazarene in Cove, Arkansas. Brother Steve Bradley and Brother Mark Lyle will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Cove, Arkansas. There will be a visitation held Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Beasley-Wood Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Grafton B. Roberts, 86, of Mena passed away July 10, 2023. He was born November 30, 1935, to Lou and Meda Roberts of Board Camp.

Grafton enjoyed his life wagon riding — love for his horses and bulldogs.

His adopted family, Delton Heath of Mena, Sheila Heath of Mena and Shannon Faught of Hatfield.

He is survived by 4 grandchildren 8 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren, unlimited nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jo Roberts.

A memorial will be held Saturday, August 5th at 2:00 p.m. at 469 Polk Road 117.

William “Willie” Marshall Hale, age 59, of Mena, Arkansas, passed from this life on Friday, July 28, 2023, at his home. Willie was born August 10, 1963, in Mena, Arkansas, to Raymond Clinton Hale and Virginia Louise Stroud Hale.

Willie was an aircraft engine mechanic by profession and started right out of high school. He was considered a legend by all those at the Mena airport. Several would seek out his advice about aircraft engines and was considered a pure genius in his career where He had many special friends over the years at the airport including all the guys at Mena Aircraft Engines. One admirer was his daughter, who growing up was attached to his hip through the Sum- mers at the airport. Willie told those close to him that if he did one thing right in life, it was his daughter. The two had a special bond that most never get to experience. Willie also had a love for Harley Davidsons and enjoyed riding in the wind and letting his worries go. His last love that he loved almost as much as his ripper, Marlow, and his baby girl was his special grand dogs, Remington “Remi” and Hendrix “Jimi”.

They loved their peepaw and he loved them fiercely. Their favorite thing to do was to go for a ride to pick up their peepaw and greet him with the type of love and excitedness that only Remi and Jimi knew how to give. Willie loved all his boys at the Fox Den and has his ritual routine on the weekends with them. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and had many special friends there he loved to visit with.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Louise Hale and his significant other Toni Langley.

He is survived by his daughter, Marla Hale, and Fiancé Zach Bates, one brother, Greg Hale, and wife Ashley, two former spouses and dearest friends, Paula Hale and Deborah Galloway, nieces and nephews, Jami, Taylor, Trevor, and Waylon, his beloved grand dogs Remington and Hendrix, and a host of other relatives and friends too great to mention.

Graveside service will be held at Pinecrest Memorial Park on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 10:00, with Robert Smith and Rick Griffith to lead the service. Pallbearers will be Nick Guinn, Sawyer Manley, Mike Henderson, Rody Strother, Jim Crowley, and Ray Baker. Honorary Pallbearers will be Thomas Copelin, Rick Griffith, Remington, Hendrix, and Leonard Watts. A general visitation will be held at Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Shine on you crazy diamond!

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

“The Witness,” Arkansas’ musical passion play from Hot Springs, will present a performance at Mena High School’s Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12. Now in its 43rd season, the is the compelling musical drama of the Sacrificial Love of God displayed in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Admission is free but they will be accepting lover offerings. For more information call (501) 620-0698.

The Back Country Extension Homemakers Club meets the second Friday of each month at 1 p.m. at the UA Extension’s Education Building, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. We are a service organization affiliated with UA’s Division of Agriculture with a mission to have fun and learn new things while enriching our community and creating a more contented family life. We believe the greatest force that molds character comes from the home. Come join new friends and old as we together grow. For more info, contact Ginger at Gingerkm@protonmail.com.

Vacation Bible School: The VBS committee of First Presbyterian Church invites all youngsters from grades K — 5 to attend SCUBA (Super Cool Underseas Bible Adventures) Aug. 7-11, 9 a.m.-noon. Registration is at 8:30 on Aug. 7. You may pre-register your child(ren) by calling the church office at 394-3583. For a fun week of learning about various Bible adventures, join us for Vacation Bible School at 904 Church Ave., Mena.

Free sack lunch each Tuesday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., for all ages, at Janssen Park pavilion. Bubbles, chalk, free books, games, and music. Sponsored by First Presbyterian Church. Meals will be available all summer, May 30 through August 15.

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, noon - 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 7 p.m. on Thursday, 7 p.m. on Friday, and 6 p.m. on Saturday at

the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call Erica at (479) 234-5289 or Candice at (501) 356-8300.

William Brockett Gibbons family reunion, Saturday, Aug. 5 at Pleasant Grove Church of the Nazarene, Cove. Doors open at 11 a.m. Potluck at noon with meat and drinks provided. Family and friends are welcome.

Polk County Disabled American Veterans and auxiliary will be holding their monthly meeting on Thursday, Aug. 3, at 6:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in Acorn. A potluck will be served with meetings to follow.

The Polk County Housing Authority has Rental Vouchers available. They are also in need of Applicants and Landlords. Contact them at 509 S. Morrow, Mena, (479) 394-1565 or polkarhousing.com

The Polk County Democrat Meeting will be on Monday, Aug. 14, at PaPa’s Mexican Café on Hwy. 71 South at 6:30 p.m. Come early to socialize and eat. Bring a friend or two. Any questions? Call Linda Johnson at (479) 234-7966.

The First United Methodist Church of Mena will be collecting dry cat and dog food for the Humane Society of the Ouachitas, a no-kill animal shelter, during the month of August.

If you’d like to donate to this wonderful organization, bring the food to the church, 501 Ninth St., across from Janssen Park, Monday-Thursday between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or bring it on Sunday at 10 a.m. and stay for church. Everyone is welcome.

First Presbyterian Church will be presenting a study, “The Evolution of the Bible”, in its Adult Sunday School Class on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:45. The class will be conducted by Earl Harrell. Anyone with an interest in this study is invited to attend. Classes will be at the church in the parlor, 904 Church Ave., Mena.

Polk County Social Seniors will meet at the Chopping Block at noon, Tuesday, Aug. 15. Come and meet other seniors and make friends. Any questions call Linda Johnson at (956) 241-2633.

The Ouachita Beekeepers Association is now meeting on the second Thursday of the month, 7 p.m. in the Education Building of the UA Extension Office, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. Come early and enjoy refreshments and bee talk with other beekeepers.

GriefShare continues to meet every Thursday from 10 a.m.-noon at First Presbyterian Church Mena for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

The Hatfield Branch Library is open every Tuesday and Friday from noon-4 p.m. The library is located at 121 Cemetery Rd. (old Agri building) in Hatfield.

The Cove Branch Library is open Monday and Thursday from noon-5 p.m. The Library is located next to Cove Town Hall at 5568 Hwy. 71 S.

The Mena/Polk County Senior Center will have The Gator and Friends band performing in Mena every Thursday, 10:3011:30 a.m.

The Center has an exercise class on Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Contact Trena Looney with questions, (479) 394-5459.

Free meal and a message at Living Word, 171 W. Johnson, Hatfield, Wednesdays @ 6 p.m.

The Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes has meals and activities for seniors. If you need to make delivery arrangements or changes call (870) 385-2373.

Christ’s Church of Cove, 5234 Hwy. 71 S, Cove gathers every Tuesday, 8:30-9:30 a.m., for free coffee and conversation.

“Shepherd’s Closet” Open Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon. Large selection of good, used clothing & a limited supply of non-perishable food items. Free to anyone in need.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at The Crossing Church, 3 p.m., Sundays; at 5 p.m., Tuesdays; and at 8 p.m. Saturdays at the old bus barn. For information call (479) 2348366 or (479) 216-3786.

The Food Pantry at the Mena Seventh Day Adventist Church is open every first and third Monday of each month, 4-6 p.m., located at Fair Grounds Road. For more information, call (479) 437-4018.

American Legion meets every 2nd Tuesday at the Legion Hall in Acorn. Potluck at 6 p.m., meeting follows.

Come play Bingo, Saturdays and Mondays, starts at 6 p.m., doors open at 4 p.m.

Reynolds Gardner Community Men’s Breakfast every Tuesday, First United Methodist Church, Mena, 8 a.m. (full breakfast for small donation). All men from the community are invited to attend.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m. Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, Ninth Street and Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study for information call (479) 243-0297.

Bluegrass Jam Session is open to musicians and fans alike. Bring your instruments for an unplugged session to the Daisy Room (behind Janssen’s Avenue Florist & Gifts) the first and third Thursdays of each month, starting at 6:30 p.m. Free event. Some snacks are provided.

It’s easy to have your event listed in Around Town, which will be read on radio stations KENA and KQOR daily. Simply send your Around Town announcement to news@mypulsenews.com or call (479) 2439600 and let us know about your event! To have it in the Polk County Pulse newspaper, we need to know by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community!