ASPSF single parents, staff share what Veterans Day means to them

In honor of Veterans Day, Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund recognizes all the military servicemen and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. You have our sincere appreciation and gratitude.

We’re especially proud of the many ASPSF scholarship recipients, staff members, board members, volunteers, and their family members who have served or are actively serving. We invited some of them to share their experiences and tell us what Veterans Day means to them. Read the responses below!

Will Brock

ASPSF Fall 2022 Scholarship Recipient
Studying Psychology at Central Baptist College in Conway
Military Branch: U.S. Marine Corps

Will joined after the 9/11 attacks, wanting to help stop terrorism. He served in the 6^th Motor Transport Battalion in Texarkana, Texas, from 2003-2007 as well as at Camp Pendleton in California.

“Veterans Day is special to me because it is a chance to honor my fallen brothers and sisters,” Will said.

Amy Renee Dorey

ASPSF Fall 2022 Scholarship Recipient
Studying Education at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
Military Branch: U.S. Air National Guard and Reserves

From 1996-2004, Amy was based in Arkansas Air National Guard’s 188^th Wing in Fort Smith, and from 2004-2008, she was at Patrick Space Force Base in Cocoa Beach, Florida. She was a supply technician, cook, and administrative assistant.

“Both my parents were military, and while growing up, I wanted to serve just like they did,” Amy said. “A veteran is a person who dedicated a part of them or their life to protecting our country and our people.”

Arlene Green

ASPSF IT Manager
Military Branch: U.S. Navy

Arlene joined in 1986 and was honorably discharged in 1994. She served as a Hospital Corpsman as part of a Fleet Hospital unit, which was attached to a Marine battalion. Enlisted during Desert Storm, Arlene didn’t go overseas. Many of her family members are veterans, too.

“My Grandma Green had five sons in five different countries during the Korean war,” Arlene said. “They all came home safely. My cousin Jason served in World War II, and my great-uncle died in World War II. All of those guys are true veterans to me.”

Tammy Ellis

ASPSF Finance Manager
Military Branch: Husband, Jeff Ellis, U.S. Army and Army Reserves; Son Craig: U.S. Army

Tammy’s husband, Jeff, joined the U.S. Army Reserves after high school and went into active duty after 9/11. He was a combat engineer and went overseas to Iraq and served stateside. Her son, Craig, followed his father’s example, joining the Army. Craig first served in the infantry, then became a helicopter mechanic, and is now part of the Army Cavalry Unit. He’s been stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the U.S.

“Veterans Day is a day to honor all of the men and women who protect our rights both here and on foreign soil,” Tammy said. “Some give their lives, but all are affected in some way. They deserve to be honored.”