SINGING HIS PRAISES: In March, the Alzheimer’s Association will honor Arkansas native and country music legend Glen Campbell and his family.
Campbell, 77, diagnosed with the disease in 2011, will be the inaugural recipient of the national organization’s new Glen Campbell Courage Award. Campbell and his family will be honored with the award at the association’s 22nd annual fundraiser, A Night at Sardi’s, to be held March 26 in Beverly Hills, Calif.
“The Campbell family has demonstrated immense courage with their public disclosure of Glen’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis,” the association explains on its website. “They have become champions for the cause, carrying a message across the country while on tour, and testifying before Congress in Washington, D.C., about the need for Alzheimer’s to be a priority and the critical need for more research and resources.”
The award will recognize Campbell, his family and future recipients for promoting greater awareness and understanding of the disease, helping to dispel public misconceptions and inspiring people to take action.
MILITARY HONORS: A Little Rock native has been honored by the U.S. Navy.
Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremiah D. McArthur, with the future USS Jackson, was named 2013 Shore Sailor of the Year by the Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, at a banquet Feb. 14 in San Diego.
McArthur joined the Navy on Oct. 31, 1996.
Since then, his duty assignments have included Chemical Biological Incident Response Force Field Medical Service School (East) and Special Operation Training Group, all at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
He is stationed at the ship that will become the Jackson, where he performs duties as an independent duty corpsman and leading petty officer. Joining McArthur in being honored was Master-at-Arms Petty Officer 1st Class Nicholas S. Fessler, USS Bonhomme Richard, of Prescott Valley, Ariz., who was named the Sea Soldier of the Year.
The two, chosen from seven finalists, will compete further, with one of them to be named the 2013 Chief of Naval Operations Shore Sailor of the Year.
The Sailor of the Year program recognizes individuals who best represent each command, and ultimately, the Navy.
The finalists are evaluated for their military bearing, professional performance and leadership skills.
THEIR REALITY: Spencer Lloyd of Bryant and Malcolm Allen of Wrightsville made it as far as the top 30 contestants for this season of Fox’s reality show American Idol, but were cut Thursday.
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO: Former Little Rock resident Charity Vance, who moved to Nashville, Tenn., at 18 to pursue a singing career after briefly appearing on Fox’s American Idol in 2010?
She’s moved to Los Angeles and recently released a seven-track album, Love Me, on iTunes and also filmed a video for her new single, “It’s Alright.” Contact Linda S. Haymes at (501) 399-3636 or lhaymes@arkansasonline.com
Arkansas, Pages 13 on 02/23/2014