President: RYAN L. WORKMAN, Lt Colonel, AR Air National Guard

Ryan has served in the United States Air Force and the Arkansas Air National Guard over the last twenty-three years. He earned a degree from Texas A&M University in the field of Construction Science and has also completed a wide range of professional military education throughout his career.

Professional Experience
After leaving active duty in the United States Air Force in 2011, Ryan began work as a financial advisor in Little Rock, AR, and as a part-time guardsman. Since then, he has started his own insurance business while returning to full-time duty with the AR Air National Guard. He has worked in various roles; he served as the Legislative Liaison to the office of The Adjutant General, is a C-130H Instructor Pilot, and most recently, assumed command of the 154th Training Squadron.

Contributions & Recognition
Ryan is a lifetime member of the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) and the National Guard Association of AR (NGAA), where he served as a Board Member since 2014 and as President in 2021. Since its inception in 2004, Ryan has served as a director of the Squadron 8 Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that gives financial aid to ROTC students attending Texas A&M University.

Personal Motivation & Vision
Ryan is passionate about the needs and financial stability of guardsmen and veterans across our state and nation. He works through strategic partnerships to provide opportunities for members of the Guard to receive education and opportunities to plan for their financial future. He sees the Arkansas National Guard Foundation as a vital part of this process.

Outside of Work
Ryan has been married to Charity for 24 years, and they have two children. He enjoys spending time with his family and getting time outdoors to hunt.

Vice President: Chasity Anderson, EAANG

Chasity Anderson is a native of Hensley, Arkansas, and a proud veteran who retired from the Arkansas Army National Guard in 2023 after 22 years of dedicated military service. Throughout her career, Mrs. Anderson served at multiple echelons, gaining a broad and insightful perspective on the diverse needs of Soldiers and Airmen. Her commitment to service extended beyond traditional duties—she played a key role in managing the Military Family Relief Trust Fund under the Office of The Adjutant General and collaborated extensively with Joint Services Support, Family Readiness Groups, and Arkansas National Guard Command Teams. A former Executive Board Member of the Enlisted Association of the Arkansas National Guard, Mrs. Anderson has been a consistent advocate for the well-being of Guard members and their Families. Today, she continues her mission of support in a civilian capacity, serving as a Human Resources Development Specialist, where she remains dedicated to the professional growth and resilience of Arkansas National Guard personnel.

Secretary: Adam Warford, NGAA

Major Adam Warford was selected to join the Arkansas National Guard Foundation Board of Directors in April 2020. He previously served as a board member for the National Guard Association of Arkansas as the Joint Forces Headquarters representative, and has also served as a board member for the Arkansas National Guard Museum Foundation.

He is currently the Administrative Officer for 1-153 Infantry Battalion in Malvern, AR. His previous assignment include Secretary to the General Staff, Arkansas Army National Guard, and Operations Officer, 233 rd Regional Training Institute, as well as several other command and staff assignments with 1-153 Infantry. Prior to his active duty service with the Arkansas National Guard, MAJ Warford was a deputy prosecutor with the 22nd Judicial District.

MAJ Warford holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas – Little Rock Bowen School of Law, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Texas A&M University.

He and Amberlyn, his wife of 16 years, reside in Saline County, with their three children: Ainsley, Addison, and Asa.

Director: Russel Betts, NGAA

Professional Approach and Experience:
Since 1997, Russel has been working as a planner in Central Arkansas dedicated to helping individuals and businesses build their financial futures. Russel’s comprehensive attention to detail and planning with his clients is very much second nature. Russel is truly unique in that he has remained active in the US Military since 1985. This combination of Russel’s skills and core values make him a priceless asset to all his clients.

Academic Achievements Include:
Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Arkansas State University

Life Outside of Business:
Civic duty is an important part of Russel’s commitment to the community; he has been fortunate enough to forge relationships with several local Arkansas organizations that include the National Guard Association of Arkansas and Shriners International. Russel has been an officer since 1990 and is currently a Colonel in the United States Army Reserves. He is a combat Veteran from Operation Iraqi Freedom. Russel currently resides in Benton, Arkansas with his wife Trisha and their three children; he is a member of the Benton First Presbyterian Church.

Director: Steven Veazey (Ret), EAANG

CSM (Ret) Steve Veazey and his wife Leanna live in Sheridan, AR. He retired in August 2023 with 44 years of service in the Army National Guard. His last assignment was as the State Senior Enlisted Leader where he served as the principal advisor to the The Adjutant General, responsible for caring for over 7000 Soldiers and 2000 Airmen and their families. His Military Education includes the United States Sergeant Major Academy and the United States Keystone Academy.

He currently serves as the Assistant Director of Veterans Services for the Arkansas Department of Veteran Affairs, where he manages the Arkansas Veterans Child welfare Service Grant program.

Mr. Veazey was elected to the Foundation Board in 2022 as a Director representing the Enlisted Association of the Enlisted Association of the Arkansas National Guard (EAANG). He was selected as the 2023 EAANG Retiree of the Year. He also serves as a member of the Arkansas National Guard Museum Board of Directors.

Steve and Leanna have been Married for the past 43. ars and have two kids, seven grandkids and one great grandchild. He is a member of East Union Missionary Baptist Church where he serves as a Life Group Leader.

Director: (Ex Officio) William Owens, President, EAANG

William R. Owens, Jr. is a dedicated military veteran and accomplished human resources professional with over 20 years of service in the United States Armed Forces. He began his military career in the U.S. Navy in 1990, deploying aboard the USS Wasp (LHD-1) during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. In 2005, he resumed service with the Arkansas Army National Guard, where he has served primarily in Human Resources roles in an active-duty capacity. He holds qualifications in multiple military occupational specialties, including Truck Driver (88M), Field Artillery Meteorological Crewmember (13W), and Human Resources Specialist (42A). His training includes certifications as an Equal Opportunity Leader, Master Resiliency Trainer, Battle Staff NCO, and Inspector General NCO. Most recently, he served in the Inspector General’s Office for the Arkansas National Guard.

Mr. Owens earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Grantham University and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Southern New Hampshire University. Over his career, he has served with distinction in numerous units including 1-206th Field Artillery, 1-153 Infantry, 1-151 Cavalry, 39th Brigade Support Battalion, 777th Aviation Support Battalion, and the 77th Theater Aviation Brigade. His dedication has been recognized through multiple awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Arkansas Commendation Medal, and various campaign and service awards. His combat deployments include Operation Desert Storm with the U.S. Navy and Operation Iraqi Freedom with the Arkansas Army National Guard in Taji, Iraq.

Outside of his military service, Mr. Owens is actively involved in professional and community organizations. He currently serves as the President of the Enlisted Association of the Arkansas National Guard, where he has also held roles as a district representative and Vice President. He is a devoted family man, married to Jenny L. Owens, with whom he shares six grown children and thirteen grandchildren. He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is passionate about service, leadership, and strengthening the military community.

DIRECTOR: (EX OFFICIO) Anthony James, PRESIDENT, NGAA

CPT Anthony James, a native of White Hall, Arkansas, joined the Army in 2004. After completing two enlistments, he joined the Arkansas Army National Guard in 2011. He graduated from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 2015 and accepted a direct commission in 2018. Since his commissioning, CPT James has served in various roles within the state and as a part of the National Guard Association of Arkansas (NGAA), including serving as a member of the Board of Directors, as the Vice president and is currently serving at the President.

DIRECTOR: Eric Lothian, NGAA

Eric Lothian is a Certified Public Accountant and Senior Audit Manager at Adams Brown in Little Rock. With a career in public accounting dating back to 2002, he brings extensive audit and attestation expertise, particularly within the construction industry.

Throughout his tenure, Eric has improved financial controls for major clients—including a Class I railroad and a regional irrigation district—guiding them through federal compliance, internal audit processes, and proper accounting for grant reimbursements Adams Brown. He joined Adams Brown in 2023 and plays a key role leading audit engagements, especially for construction-sector clients .

A licensed Arkansas CPA, Eric also serves as a Colonel in the Arkansas Army National Guard, balancing his professional and military responsibilities while rooted in family life. He’s a dedicated husband and father of two, enjoys running, hunting, woodworking, and contributes as finance chair in his church Adams Brown.

Professional Snapshot:

  • Title & License: CPA, Senior Audit Manager, Arkansas
  • Years in Accounting: Since 2002
  • Joined Adams Brown: 2023
  • Industry Focus: Construction, governmental entities, infrastructure
  • Leadership Roles: Colonel, Arkansas Army National Guard; church finance committee

Eric’s approach is grounded in collaboration—listening to his clients, strengthening their control environments, and aligning audit processes with their strategic objectives. His unique combination of public accounting expertise, military leadership, and community commitment makes him a highly respected professional in Arkansas.

Board Member At Large: Melissa Holland

Melissa Holland is President and owner of Advanced Physical Therapy of Central Arkansas, a rapidly growing outpatient physical therapy practice with seven locations throughout the region. A graduate of Arkansas State University with a strong background in corporate finance and business administration, she transitioned into healthcare to lead with both business savvy and patient-centered care. Under her leadership, the clinic was honored in 2024 as a “Champion of Health Care” by Arkansas Money & Politics for its impact on patient outcomes and community wellness.

Since 2023, Melissa has served as a dedicated Board Member of the Arkansas National Guard Foundation, where she plays a key role in supporting service members and their families with crucial resources and care. She also extends her commitment to youth development through her 2024 appointment to the Board of First Tee – Central Arkansas, an organization that empowers young people through golf and life skills development.

Melissa and her team at Advanced Physical Therapy actively champion local causes—from sponsoring National Guard events, including the NGAUS Golf Tournament, to supporting First Tee clinics and engaging with public school initiatives. Her consistent philanthropic involvement reflects her belief in health, education, and opportunities as foundations of a thriving community.

Board Member At Large: Randy Lann

Randy Lann is a dedicated public servant, community leader, and culinary icon whose career reflects a lifelong commitment to service and hospitality. A native of Magnolia, Arkansas, Randy spent over four decades in the furniture industry, beginning with the family business in 1977. In 2001, he was named Executive Director of the Arkansas Home Furnishings Association, where he served for more than 20 years, advocating for independent retailers and helping strengthen the industry across the state. He retired from that role in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and professional mentorship.

In addition to his work in the private sector, Randy has been a longtime supporter of law enforcement. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Arkansas State Police Foundation, where he helps provide resources and support to officers and their families. His commitment to public safety and community well-being is evident in both his personal and professional life.

Randy has also served for over 20 years on the Board of Directors of Pathfinders, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Jacksonville, Ar that provides life-changing support and services to individuals with developmental disabilities. His long-standing involvement has helped the organization expand its reach and improve the quality of life for some of Arkansas’s most vulnerable citizens.

But Randy is perhaps best known for his larger-than-life presence behind the grill. After leading a team to victory at the World Steak Cooking Championship in 2006—a win featured on the Food Network—Randy’s grilling prowess caught the attention of the Dallas Cowboys. He now serves as the Official Grill Master for the Dallas Cowboys Tailgate Nation, where he has prepared more than 175,000 ribeye steaks for players, coaches, and fans alike. From his custom-built rig, he feeds thousands during game-day celebrations, including the Cowboys’ annual Thanksgiving Day festivities, and has been featured in team commercials and sports media.

Through his role on the Board of the Arkansas National Guard Foundation, Randy brings that same energy, generosity, and servant leadership to support Arkansas’s service members and their families. Whether he’s mentoring young professionals, honoring law enforcement, supporting individuals with disabilities, or cooking for a cause, Randy Lann exemplifies community spirit in action.

Board Member At Large: Christian Gwatney Baker

Christian Gwatney Baker is a passionate community leader, business owner, and arts advocate who has served on the Board of the Arkansas National Guard Foundation since 2023. As a member-at-large, she brings not only her strategic insight but also a deep personal commitment to supporting Arkansas’s service members and their families.

Christian is the Owner and Dealer Principal of Gwatney Chevrolet in Jacksonville, Arkansas, where she has earned a reputation for exceptional leadership, customer service, and civic involvement. A graduate of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Dealer Academy, she has used her training and experience to grow a thriving dealership while staying actively engaged in charitable work across the state.

In addition to her work with the Foundation, Christian serves on the Board of Directors for the Judy Kohn Tenenbaum Argenta Community Theater in North Little Rock, where she supports its mission to enrich the community through high-quality theatrical performances and arts education. She also serves on the UA Little Rock Foundation Fund Board, helping advance educational opportunities and community engagement through the university.

Christian’s philanthropic work is rooted in a lifelong belief in giving back. Whether providing scholarships for Guard dependents, supporting emergency relief for military families, promoting access to the arts, or mentoring youth through sports, she brings heart, energy, and purpose to every cause she supports. Her leadership strengthens both the mission of the Arkansas National Guard Foundation and the broader community it serves.

Board Member At Large: Don Rhoads

Results-oriented Senior Management Professional with over 30 years of solid experience in progressively responsible positions, and proven achievements in all aspects of the electrical industry. Technical skills include all phases of project management from contract negotiations, organizational strategies, team building, and job execution. Committed professional with a dedication to quality customer service.

Highlights of Qualifications

  • Licensed by State of Arkansas as Master Electrician.
  • Assimilation of company goals/objectives involving the analysis and administration of operation procedures, annual revenue budgets and future projections.
  • Proven ability to effectively manage daily operations including hiring, training, and supervising staff, purchasing equipment and job supplies, and obtaining and overseeing contract negotiations, documentation, and job scope execution.
  • Extremely focused on identifying potential problem areas, minimizing issues, formulating and executing competent solutions.

Experience & Selected Accomplishments

  • Managed to completion a number of large projects for commercial clients, including ArcBest, Pinnacle Promenade, St. Vincent Hospital, Wal-Mart, Baptist Hospital and The Watkins Company.
  • Oversee preventive maintenance activities for supported facilities, review established schedules, and reinforce presence of competent supervision for each activity.
  • Provide electrical designs for installation in office, manufacturing, and industrial facilities.
  • Manage five supervisors directly and approximately sixty crewmembers indirectly.
  • Authorize purchasing and vendor-negotiating decisions made by supervisors.
  • Instructed High Voltage Termination and Splicing certification classes.
  • Graduate of Square D Power Logic University.
  • Served as board member for Associated Builders and Contractors and the Electric League of Arkansas.
  • Red Cross Board
  • Work Force Training Board
  • Baptist Foundation Board
  • Arvest Bank Board
  • Arkansas State Police Foundation Board

Employment History

  • President/ Owner • 2008-Present
    Fleming Electric, Inc. Bryant, Arkansas
  • President • 1997-2008
    Fleming Electric, Inc. Bryant, Arkansas
  • Vice President of Operations • 1993-1997
    Fleming Electric, Inc., Bryant, Arkansas
  • Sales Representative • 1991-1992
    GHM, (Utility Products) Little Rock, Arkansas
  • Sales Representative • 1982-1990
    Keathley Patterson Electric, Little Rock, Arkansas
  • Sales Representative • 1980-1981
    R.C. Ramsey Company, (Utility Products) Little Rock, Arkansas

Education

  • Master Electrician
    1996-Present
  • Studied Engineering, U of A
  • Associate Arts Degree Math and Science

Board Member At Large: Mike S. Armstrong

Mike was born and raised in North Louisiana.  After graduating from Ouachita Parish High School, Mike attended Louisiana State University (LSU) briefly before earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana @ Monroe (ULM).

Professional Experience

Mike began his Nabholz career in 2005 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Mike transitioned to Central Arkansas in 2008 and is currently based out of the home office in Conway, AR. He has held various leadership positions within Nabholz Construction, from Project Coordinator, Project Manager, and Senior Project Manager. He is currently a Project Executive and is responsible for the overall performance of his team’s projects. Mike oversees the team’s resource needs from safety, staffing, equipment, and materials to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and with the highest degree of satisfaction from clients.

Contributions & Recognition

Mike has served as an active board member with the Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas & United Way of Central Arkansas. Mike is currently one of the founding members of the Conway Regional Arkansas Duck Derby. With Nabholz, Mike received the Excellence in Leadership award in 2020.

Personal Motivation & Vision

Mike loves his Country and the freedoms that we are afforded due to the sacrifice of our Service members, both past and present. He has a high degree of respect and admiration for those who volunteer for service. He would like to do whatever he can do to help recognize their sacrifice and service.

Outside of Work

When not working, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife of 22 years (Gretchen) and their two children (Parker -17 and Addison – 13).

Board Member At Large: Stephen Foster

Steve earned a bachelor’s degree from Hannibal-Lagrange University, Hannibal, Mo and went on to earn an MBA from William Woods University, in Fulton, MO. Growing up with three brothers, serving in the Air Force, supporting Airmen and Soldiers is a civic obligation that Steve is very passionate about.

Professional Experience

Steve began his Walmart career in 1997 and has held various leadership positions, in the States of Missouri, Indiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. He is currently based out of the Bentonville Home Office and has responsibility for the Walmart Neighborhood Markets in Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma.

Contributions & Recognition

While in high school and college, Steve was recognized by The Boy Scouts of America with the rank of Eagle Scout and also received the United States Armed Forces National Scholar Athlete Award. In his professional career, Steve has received numerous awards for excellence in retail operation and personal performance, to include Store of the Year in multiple store formats.

Personal Motivation & Vision

Though Steve’s admiration and appreciation of United States Military Personnel began at a very young age, his passion to support our men and women in uniform has continued to blossom throughout adulthood. He aspires to build connections between Walmart, along with other businesses, and the servicemen and women throughout the state and across our great nation.

Outside of Work

When not working, Steve enjoys all things sports and outdoors, and spending time with his family.

Board Member At Large: Ben Moore, ANGF

Ben is a native of Sherwood, Arkansas. He started his career in finance at Bank of America in 2004 as a Small Business Banking Specialist and Commercial Lender until 2009 when he moved to Edward Jones Investments to pursue a career as a Financial Advisor. In that time, he has become a Limited Partner with Edward Jones Investments and serves clients in over 20 states specializing in all things TSP and Federal Retirement.

During his tenure at Edward Jones, he has provided over 200 Federal Financial Literacy Seminars at various federal installations throughout the region. Ben has a Master of Strategic Management from Harvard University, with an emphasis in Economics. Ben and his team have been involved with the NGAA for the past several years, providing financial literacy to soldiers and airmen. He and his wife Tiffany are also involved with several other non for profits in Central Arkansas. They have a son named Liam Roy and make North Little Rock home.

DIRECTOR: (EX OFFICIO) ELIZABETH JARA, NGAA

Mrs. Elizabeth Jara has served the National Guard Association of Arkansas since Jan of 2020, first as the Director of Development before being selected as the Executive Director of the NGAA in 2022. She graduated from the University of Portland in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

She is a USAF veteran and a military spouse. She has previously served as the Director of Policy and Research for the Reform Alliance, an Arkansas non-profit focused on improving educational outcomes in Arkansas. She is a previous youth group and confirmation director for Immaculate Heart of Mary, North Little Rock. She currently serves as the head coach for the Flames Cross Country Team in Little Rock. She is an avid tennis player and currently lives in Little Rock, with her husband Paul and her five amazing children.

Executive Director: Damon Cluck,

Colonel (ret) Damon Neil Cluck began his service on the Board of Directors for the National Guard Association of Arkansas Trust in 2012 and was an original member of the Board of Directors for the Arkansas National Guard Foundation. COL Cluck served two terms as President of the ANGF. He is also a Past President and life member of the NGAA. COL Cluck is also a life member of the United States Field Artillery Association and a member of the Ancient Order of St. Barbara.

COL Cluck began his military career when he enlisted in Battery C, 5th Battalion, 206th Field Artillery on 14 February 1989. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, Field Artillery, on 11 May 1990 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Arkansas State University. His assignments include command at the Battery, Battalion and Brigade level. He served on two operational deployments, first in 2004-2005 as Operations Officer, 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery and second, in 2008-2009 as Commander of the 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery. His military career culminated in his assignment as Director of Military Support for the Arkansas National Guard. COL Cluck retired with 31 years of service on 31 May 2020.

COL Cluck graduated from Arkansas State University with a B.A. in History. He Graduated from Cecil C. Humphrey School of Law at Memphis State University in 1996 with a Juris Doctorate. Prior to entering the Active Guard and Reserve Program (AGR) in 2000, COL Cluck was an attorney in private practice in Paragould, Arkansas.

COL Cluck, wife LTC (ret) Brenda Cluck, and their three children, Annabel, Aiden, and Hayden live in Sherwood, Arkansas and attend the Sylvan Hills Church of Christ. COL Cluck serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 259, Boy Scouts of America, in Sherwood.