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National Flag Week
Boozman recognizes service of retired Arkansas National Guard Adjutant General
INSIDE:
Animal Shelter Grant
June 15, 2022
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Boots & Badges Blood Drive
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WASHINGTON –U.S. Vietnam War was windSenator John Boozman (Ring down by the time he AR) recognized the service graduated college, fewer and sacrifice of Major Genlieutenants were needed so eral (retired) Ron Chastain he was given the choice of in ‘Salute to Veterans,’ a seserving for three months ries recognizing the military or two years. He opted for service of Arkansans. the shorter service because Chastain was born in Parhe had a job lined up with is, Arkansas on October 18, the U.S. Department of Ag1950. He enjoyed his childriculture (USDA). hood in Branch along with Unfortunately, while he his 11 brothers and sisters, was training at Fort Bentwo of whom also served in ning, Georgia, President the military. His father was Retired Maj. Gen. Chastain once taught students across Richard Nixon issued a feda contract painter and his Arkansas about the history and proper care of the Ameri- eral hiring freeze, so his pomother raised Ron and all can and Arkansas flags. June 14 was Flag Day. sition with the USDA was his siblings while tending no longer an option. to the home. Growing up, met his future wife, Pam Berry, from Chastain changed his plans and startthe children all helped out with chores Dover. At ATU he was required to join ed working toward his master’s degree around the house and on the family ROTC. During his sophomore year, he at the University of Arkansas while also farm. received a low draft number and con- being encouraged by a retired major to Chastain attended Arkansas Tech tinued participating in the ROTC so he join the National Guard, so he became University after high school where he could serve as an officer. Because the See CHASTAIN
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WAPDD Town Hall discusses outdoor options, including pool and splash pad By Ethan Nahté
Repeat Anglers of the Year
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The Western Arkansas Planning & Development District (WAPDD) came to Mena on May 31 for a Town Hall meeting at City Hall. Tracee McKenna, community development for WAPDD, and Michael Rosenberg, marketing and communications for WAPDD, were on hand to discuss possibilities for projects and improvements for
Mena’s outdoor activities for a 50/50 matching grant that relates to outdoor activities. McKenna said, “The city had approached me about an Outdoor Recreation grant through the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. One of the requirements of that grant application is a public meeting.” The goal is to find qualifying viable plans that fall within the guidelines for
a grant worth up to $250,000 from ADPHT. Any money awarded would have to be equally matched by the city. If granted the full amount, it would come to a total of $500,000. If the project costs more than $500,000, the balance would be the responsibility of the City. WAPDD and McKenna were already beneficial in Mena receiving the
See GRANT continued on page 7