SALUTE

Paying tribute

ARVets honor original member of military band, female Guard leader

The last original member of the Army Air Force Band and the Arkansas Army National Guard's first female general officer were two of the honorees Nov. 12 at Salute, held in the Great Hall of the Clinton Presidential Center.

Band member and World War II veteran Harold Copenhaver of Jonesboro, who was unable to attend -- Harold Copenhaver Jr. accepted the award on his father's behalf -- went on to be dean of the College of Fine Arts at Arkansas State University.

Copenhaver was dubbed the Exemplary Pre-9/11 Veteran. Brigadier Gen. Patricia Anslow was recognized as the Exemplary Post-9/11 Veteran. In addition to her duties with the Guard, she is chief of the Planning and Environmental Division for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Little Rock District.

She in turn highlighted and honored the careers of her friends in attendance, all female veterans.

Other honorees were retired Col. Don Berry, a Desert Storm veteran who was selected by Gov. Asa Hutchinson as an Outstanding Veteran Supporter for his work in helping advance veterans issues in the Arkansas Legislature; and Leigh Ann and Lt. Col. Matt Snead, the pick for Outstanding Veteran Family.

Tyson Foods was recognized as Outstanding Veteran Employer for the Camo to Khaki program, which during the last four years has hired more than 3,000 veterans. Camp Alliance Inc. was named Outstanding Community Organization for its service to local military families.

The evening was a fundraiser for ARVets and included a welcome by board chairman Rep. Reginald Murdock and honorary gala chairman Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin. The University of Central Arkansas Color Guard presented the colors, Master Sgt. Thomas Messer sang the national anthem, and remarks were made by board member Heide Harrell, CEO Nicole Heart and ARVets client Mary Gurlen.

-- Story and photos by Cary Jenkins

High Profile on 11/22/2015

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