Awards ceremony honors community

By Rachel Selby, AMCJuly 9, 2014

Awards ceremony honors community
Col. David L. Musgrave (center), Arsenal commander, poses for a group photo with members of the Pine Bluff and White Hall communities during the Patriotic and Public Service Awards ceremony June 20. Individuals and organizations were honored during t... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

A Patriotic and Public Service Awards ceremony was held June 20 at Pine Bluff Arsenal's Community Center. In a first-of-its-kind ceremony, Arsenal commander Col. David Musgrave presented awards to individuals and organizations from the Pine Bluff and White Hall communities who supported the installation and its missions during his command.

"What a great day to be at America's Arsenal," said Cheryl Avery, Arsenal public affairs officer, as she kicked off the morning ceremony with opening remarks.

Avery said that this was Musgrave's way of saying thank you for the community's service and support. "Your patriotic and public service has allowed the Arsenal to become a pivotal part of the nation's military industrial complex. With your continued help and support, the Arsenal will remain a vital part of the community."

Individuals that were recognized during the ceremony were Mary Lou Mauldin, White Hall Museum curator; Ann Williams, Leadership Pine Bluff; Revs. Edna and David Morgan, Pine Bluff Arsenal chaplains; Normal Gilchrist, Heart of Arkansas United Way/Combined Federal Campaign; the Trotter Family; Lou Ann Nisbett, Jefferson County Economic Development Alliance; Dr. Stephen Hilterbran, president, South East Arkansas College; Laurence Alexander, chancellor, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; White Hall Mayor Noel Foster; Pine Bluff Mayor Debe Hollingsworth; and Jefferson County Judge Dutch King.

Organizational recognitions went to the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce, White Hall Chamber of Commerce, Military Officers Association of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4455, American Legion-Socia Maxwell Post 232, Jenkins Memorial Center choir, UAPB, SEARK, Jefferson County Economic Development Alliance, Pine Bluff Fire Department, Pine Bluff Police Department; White Hall Police Department and White Hall Fire Department.

"I just want to say thanks for your support, not only to the Arsenal, but to the Army and our nation's military services over all," said Musgrave. "When I get to thinking about when I was a young Soldier -- you come in and train to do a job …there is no way they can do their jobs without the grassroots support like this. It starts here and it starts local."

He said that the mission of the Arsenal has changed and is changing overall. "I know that no matter what the Arsenal does, the Arsenal will have great support from the community," said Musgrave. "Everyone here today -- my staff to the workers down on the production lines -- they appreciate your support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Also during the ceremony, presentation of colors was by the Arkansas National Guard color guard from the Army Reserve Center, the "Star-Spangled Banner" was sung by Kenneth Avery, Jr., a student from Stuttgart, and invocation was given by Blake Tolleson, with PBA's Civilian Personnel Advisory Center.

A reception followed the awards ceremony.