Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Guard Unit Is Recognized By Arkadelphia For Storm Work

Good deeds do not go unrewarded.

The First Battalion of the Arkansas National Guard found this out Monday, May 26, when a Memorial Day luncheon was held in its honor at the corner of Clay and 6th streets in Arkadelphia.

The celebration was a community-wide effort to show the guardsmen how the people of Arkadelphia appreciated their help when tornadoes ravaged the city on March 1.

Between 400 and 500 people gathered under the overcast skies and humid temperatures to pay homage to these men and women.

State Representative Percy Malone reminded all present Memorial Day used to be celebrated May 30, but was changed to the last Monday in the month so workers could have a three-day weekend.

But, he said, the reason for the holiday is to honor those men and women who paid the ultimate price so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. "This goes beyond our remembrance," he said. "It goes back to our founding fathers who fought so we wouldn't have a life of tyranny.

"We are here to honor those men and women who work daily, yet stand ready to protect their nation and communities."

Malone said the Guard has fought in every war the United States has been involved in, originally being known as the Minutemen.

The Guard, he continued, is the oldest form of militia in the country, being in existence for 359 years nationally, and in Arkansas since 1824. The name, Malone said, comes from the French "Guard Nationale", and is used in honor of when the fledgling U.S. was aided by France and Lafayette.

He said when tragedy struck on March 1, the people learned of the Guard's importance on the local level. These men and women were mobilized quickly to secure the city and help with the clean up effort.

For several days on end, these men and women remained on watch making sure no looting took place.

In fact, Malone told the crowd, one woman called him saying her's was the only home left in one area after the tornado, yet with the Guard nearby, she was not afraid to walk around alone.

He said Arkadelphia was able to rebound as quickly to the storm damage as it did because the Guard helped keep sightseers to a minimum, thereby allowing vital work to be done. Because of this, he said, the people were able to get their homes and businesses back up faster than they could have otherwise.

"They are our friends indeed," Malone said. "We can rest assured knowing their presence is here, ready to help in a moment's notice. They are truly our Minutemen."

Major Tommie Campbell, battalion executive officer, said when the March 1 tornadoes hit, he and some other members of the Guard had been training at DeGray State Park and were entering Arkadelphia when they saw the twisters coming.

These men found shelter until the storm passed, then got their gear, went to the armory and began making their way through the rubble left behind trying to find survivors and clear a path for emergency workers.

"These are citizen soldiers," he said. "Their first thought was not to see about their homes and families, but to pull debris from the road and try and rescue people from the stores." They also secured the area from looters.

March 1, he said, proved to be a long night for a lot of people, with some 200 arriving in Arkadelphia by Sunday, March 2, and 300 by Monday.

Maj. Campbell said these Guardsmen's employers supported their being away from their jobs when the disaster struck.

"This is our town, too," he said. "The next time you call, we'll be there. We were here from the start and will be here until it's finished."

Maj. Campbell said when the storms hit there were no egos getting in the way of making sure the city became operational quickly. This, he said, was important so all involved could make sure those in need were taken care of.

Arkadelphia Mayor Mike Kolb said on March 1 he arrived back in town after 5 p.m. and was shocked at what he saw.

However, having the Guard in the city made him feel safer and more secure.

"It's an honor being here to thank the Guard," he said, "for what they've done in our time of tragedy. We shared a strong bond and friendship. They became my security blanket."

Kolb said the most difficult conversation he had was about when the Guard would pull out of the city. In fact, he told the throng, many members of the Guard didn't want to leave either, preferring to remain and help in any way they could.

One of the most touching things to occur shortly after the storms, Kolb said, was when the Guard presented the city with a plaque of appreciation.

Returning the compliment, Kolb presented Maj. Campbell with a plaque honoring those members of the Guard who helped see Arkadelphia through its time of need.

Once the speeches were over, members of the Guard present and their families were treated to a lunch of barbecue chicken, ribs, hot dogs and all the trimmings.