Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – The Nettleton High School (NHS) EAST Program continues to honor U.S. military service members as it invites them to the “Unified by Service” Veterans Day Program and Luncheon next month.
The program will feature multiple guest speakers, such as Our Community Salutes of Northeast Arkansas chairman, retired U.S Army Col. Clarence H. Overbay of American Legion Post 21 in Jonesboro. NHS teacher and coach, Allen Johnson, who served in the U.S. Air Force, will also speak. Student speakers and performers from multiple student organizations will also present at the program.
NHS EAST facilitator Sandra Taylor said the program will have a special tribute to Richard “Rich” Carvell, who died in September.
READ MORE: OPINION | Richard Carvell 1943-2025
Carvell served with the Air Force in Vietnam as a photographer and worked helping veterans in his retirement. He also spent 37 years in Arkansas State University’s Radio-TV department and served on the Nettleton School Board for many years.
“He has always come to our program. He’s always taken photos and been a big part of it,” Taylor said. “This will be the first year without him there, and that’s really sad for all of us.”
A video tribute will include stories of Carvell’s time promoting the Jonesboro Community Thanksgiving Meal, his provision of flags for Nettleton classrooms, his role as Santa Claus over the years, and more.
The program and luncheon will be open to anyone who has served or is currently serving in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
It will be held on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the St. Bernards Auditorium, located at 505 E. Washington Ave. Parking will be available for guests attending.
Food will be provided at the Texas Roadhouse, while desserts, paper products, and drinks will be provided by First Community Bank.
Reservations must be made no later than Oct. 31. RSVP by calling (870) 897-0020 or emailing sandra.taylor@nettletonschools.net.
“We truly love being able to honor our veterans… to celebrate them and thank them for their service and everything that they’ve done for our country,” Taylor said. “I think it’s important for our students to realize the sacrifices that our veterans and their families have made for us. So, we just want to be a small part of thanking them and honoring them.”
