The Arkansas National Guard Foundation, based in North Little Rock, is committed to supporting the state’s soldiers and airmen, continuing a tradition of service that dates back to the Minutemen of the Revolutionary War. Executive Director Randy Lann leads the foundation’s efforts to provide crucial support to over 8,000 soldiers.

Comprehensive Support Programs

The foundation offers a range of programs to assist soldiers and their families. These include scholarships for the children of service members, a survivor program, and an emergency relief program that provides aid in the event of disasters such as house fires or tornadoes. Lann, who has a diverse background including roles as a furniture store owner and industry lobbyist, emphasizes the importance of connecting donors with opportunities to support the military.

New Event Center Project

Among the foundation’s latest initiatives is the development of a 24,000-square-foot event center at Camp Robinson. This facility aims to host events for up to 400 people and will be shared with other state agencies, including the Arkansas State Police and the Department of Emergency Management. Although the center will not be completed in time for the military’s 250th anniversary celebrations, it represents a significant investment in the community and the ongoing support of Arkansas’s citizen soldiers.

Lann acknowledges the challenges in fundraising for the project but remains optimistic about its potential impact. “Those last few millions are usually the hardest to raise,” he said, “but we know that if we can get it done, the sooner the better.”

Original reporting: 5NEWS / KFSM (Fort Smith) — read the source article.