The Arkansas National Guard Foundation recently announced the creation of the prestigious Charles Nabholz Award for Excellence in Military Community Support. This distinguished award has been established by the Foundation’s Board of Directors to honor extraordinary contributions that have had a profound impact on the military community, exemplifying the spirit of support and dedication.
The Foundation chose to name the award after Mr. Charles Nabholz of Conway, whose many years of support for Arkansas National Guard members and Arkansas veterans have exemplified the finest traditions of civilian support for military communities. The Arkansas National Guard Foundation is honored to bestow the inaugural Charles Nabholz Award to its namesake, Mr. Charles Nabholz, in recognition of his outstanding service to our military community. The Nabholz family has a tradition of military service, with several of Charles’s siblings serving during World War II and the Korean war. Charles himself enlisted in the Conway based, Company D, 2nd Battle Group, 153rd Infantry Regiment on 14 September 1954 as a rifleman. He was discharged 13 Sept 1962 as a Staff Seargent (E-6). His records reflect a mobilization 24 Sept 1957-23 Oct 1957 under Presidential Executive Order 1070 (Central High Crisis). The civilian occupation is listed on his enlistment documents was Salesman (Lumber), Nabholz Supply Co, Conway AR.
Service to veterans and the military community is a part of the company ethos at Nabholz Construction. The company recognizes the service of its veteran employees with a wall of honor inside the company headquarters in Conway. The Nabholz family has directly supported the Arkansas National Guard for over 15 years, with their contributions going to sponsor educational scholarships and professional development for commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers of the National Guard.
Event Details: The National Guard Birthday and Award Gala occurred on December 13, 2023, at the Junior League of Little Rock Building, 401 Scott Street, Little Rock, Arkansas
The event featured a special video presentation by Governor Sarah Sanders, the Commander in Chief of the Arkansas National Guard. Additionally, MG Jonathan Stubbs, the Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard, delivered a presentation highlighting the significance of community support for our military.
Proceeds from the event will fund emergency assistance grants for currently serving members of the Arkansas National Guard, as well as the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps Reserve in Arkansas. These grants provide critical support during times of need, ensuring that our dedicated service members have the resources necessary to overcome challenges and continue their vital missions.
Since 1967, the Arkansas National Guard Foundation has provided over $1.8 million in scholarships to nearly 2,200 Guard members, dependents, and survivors. Additionally, since 2005, the Military Family Relief Trust Fund (administered by the Foundation) has provided over $250,000 for grants to National Guard families in need of emergency assistance.
For more information about the National Guard Birthday Gala, please visit our website at angf.us or connect with us on social media:
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BACKGROUND ON ARKANSAS NATIONAL GUARD FOUNDATION: The Arkansas National Guard Foundation was established in 2013 as the successor to the National Guard Association of Arkansas Insurance Trust, which was created in 1967. Its mission is to provide charitable and educational support to members of the Arkansas National Guard, their dependents and survivors, veterans, and other charitable organizations that support veteran communities in Arkansas.
The Foundation continues to expand its impact by implementing programs that enhance education, job training, emergency relief, youth programs, legacy preservation and overall readiness for Arkansas National Guard Soldiers and Airmen.
For more information about the Foundation’s history, programs, and future initiatives, please visit our website at angf.us.
For media inquiries please contact Colonel (ret) Damon N. Cluck at 501-772-1270 or dcluck@angf.us.
Arkansas National Guard Foundation P.O. Box 663 North Little Rock, AR 72115
Foundation President Colonel Paul Jara, Mr. Charles Nabholz, and Major General Jonathan Stubbs. Major General Stubbs presented Mr. Charles Nabholz with the award, named in Mr. Nabholz Honor. Photo Curtsy of Ms. Debbie Powell
The Governor’s Color Guard Presented the Colors at the beginning of the event. Photo Curtsy of Ms. Debbie Powell
The Charles Nabholz Award for Excellence in Military Community Support stands as a symbol of the selfless dedication and tireless efforts of individuals who go above and beyond to serve our military community. It represents a legacy of unwavering support for those who protect and defend our nation. Photo Curtsy of Ms. Debbie Powell
Major General Jonathan Stubbs, wife Jane Stubbs, Lieutenant General Leslie Rutledge, Mrs. Melissa Cox, Brigadier General Brad Cox pose for photos during the reception before the event. Photo Curtsey of Lt Governor Rutledge.
Members of the 106th Army Band provided the perfect mix of miliary music and holiday favorites for the evening’s festivities. Photo Courtesy of Ms. Debbie Powell.
Mr. Randy Lann, serves one of his famous steaks to Senator Mark Johnson of Conway. Mr. Lann is the official Grill master for the Dallas Cowboys and is a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Photo Curtsey of Ms. Debbie Powell.
Lieutenant Governor Leslie Rutledge, one of the Keynote Speakers, posed with the event Honoree, Mr. Charles Nabholz of Nabholz Construction, Conway. Mr. Nabholz described the military service of his older brothers during World War II and Korea. Charles Nabholz enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard on 14 September 1954 in Company D, 2nd Battle Group, 153rd Infantry Regiment as a rifleman. He was discharged 13 Sept 1962 as a Staff Sergeant (E-6). His records reflect a mobilization 24 Sept 1957-23 Oct 1957 under Presidential Executive Order 1070 (Central High Crisis). He qualified as Sharpshooter on the M1 Rifle on 9 August 1957. His Civilian Occupation is listed as Salesman (Lumber), Nabholz Supply Co, Conway Ar. Photo Courtesy of Lt Governor Rutledge.
We were humbled and honored to be joined by several Gold Star family Members including Ms. Sherri Briley, widow of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Donovan Briley. The family of Chief Warrant Officer Patrick Kordsmeier included his sisters Barbara Kordsmeier, Susan Nellis and his daughter Jennifer Kordsmeier. Photo Courtesy Barbara Kordsmeier.