U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) recognized the service and sacrifice of the late Ralph C. “Chad” Colley, Jr., a veteran of the Vietnam War, in ‘Salute to Veterans,’ a series recognizing the military service of Arkansans.
Colley was born in Fort Smith on May 13, 1944. He fondly recalled growing up in a military family with his dad, who loved the Army, and a mother who enjoyed being an Army wife.
At an early age he learned skills that would prepare him for service in his nation’s uniform, with his dad passing along his passion for the Army. “He brought everything from a Browning Automatic Rifle down to the house and I learned how to field strip them,” Colley said. “I could break them down with the best of ‘em when I was about ten.”
Mar 13, 2021
Rita Ann Porpotage Norbury, 74, of Barling, AR, and formerly of Lewistown, PA, passed to eternal life on Tuesday, March 9, at 10:23 pm CT. Having lived with courage, grace, and patience throughout her life, her approach to cancer embodied the same qualities during her final year on earth. Always wanting to allay others’ fears, Rita’s reply to “How are you doing today?” was more often than not, “Pretty fair.”
Rita was born in Lewistown, PA, on Feb. 3, 1947, and was preceded in death by her parents, Michael J. and Kathryn Z. Porpotage, in 1992 and 2013, respectively; dear “Grammy,” who was a second mother; her sister-in-law Christa Porpotage; and brother-in-law David Sigler. Rita is survived by her son John Norbury, of Barling, AR; daughter, Jennifer Norbury and Roy Culley of Heavener, OK; and son James (Jake) Norbury, and his wife, Alisa, of Guam; her grandchildren: Rhett Norbury, of Talihina, OK ; Tyler Blagg, of Durant, OK; Jorie Bandy, of Heavener, OK
Fort Smith Christmas Honors extended for one week due to popular demand
Christmas Honors will now last through Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, due to the high demand to see the tribute for veterans buried at the Fort Smith National Cemetery. Author: 5NEWS Web Staff Updated: 2:28 PM CST December 28, 2020
FORT SMITH, Ark. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Christmas Honors previously announced that the traditional December laying of the wreaths at the Fort Smith National Cemetery had to be canceled.
Since the announcement, alternative plans were made.
In partnership with Chaffee Crossing, Christmas Honors is hosting a tribute display consisting of over 18,000 names of every veteran buried at the Fort Smith National Cemetery.
Fort Smith Christmas Honors extended for one week due to popular demand
Since the announcement, alternative plans were made.
In partnership with Chaffee Crossing, Christmas Honors is hosting a tribute display consisting of over 18,000 names of every veteran buried at the Fort Smith National Cemetery.
The Christmas Honors Tribute at Chaffee Crossing exhibit will open on Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. and remain on display through Jan. 4, 2021. The tribute was originally scheduled to end on Monday, Dec. 28, but was extended through the beginning of the year.
Located at 7300 Buckhorn St., the 1,200 ft one-way drive will pay tribute to all who have served. The drive-thru display will allow for families to pay respect without the risk of crowds.