Vilonia Eagle

07/06/2025

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07/01/2025

The Museum of Veterans in Vilonia, will be closed July 4. We will be open at 9 a.m., July 5.
The Fourth of July is generally celebrated with picnics, fireworks, the American flag and lots of family time. Commonly associated with the military due to the patriotism shown and the fireworks on this day, the shots often heard are gun salutes to represent the original 13 founding colonies. Independence Day is the day the 13 colonies (the United States) declared independence from Great Britain. More importantly, July 4, 1776 is the day the Declaration of Independence was signed.
The Museum of Veterans and Military History in Vilonia, will not be open on the Fourth of July. A majority of the docents, all volunteers, are combat veterans who have spent many holidays away from their families. However, the outdoor exhibits including the Killed in Action Walkway and the Peace Chapel, the K-9 exhibit, a new Vietnam exhibit are always available for those who want a quiet, walk around and self-guided tour. The museum will be open, Sat. July 5.
It might also be a good time to take a little time and read the names of some of the Arkansas Fallen soldiers. Their stories can be found online. It is important for us to remember there will be an empty chair at the table of many families this holiday. Some families will have more than one.
For instance, the Collier family. Army Corp. Gilbert George Collier was born on December 30, 1930 in Hunter, Arkansas. Corporal Collier of F Company, 2nd Bn., 223rd Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division, earned the Army's last Medal of Honor of the Korean War on July 20, 1953. He saved the life of his patrol leader, that day, after the two had been separated from their platoon and were ambushed by a CCF patrol. After killing two enemy soldiers in the firefight, Collier ran out of ammunition. He then used his fists and bayonet to fend off Chinese soldiers trying to drag him away to captivity.
A second empty chair—Army Sgt. Russell Lee Collier is Gilbert’s nephew. He was killed October 3, 2004 in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and was awarded the Silver Star Medal. National Guard medic Sgt. Russell Collier was unarmed and tending to a fallen comrade when he was killed. Russell joined the Army as soon as he graduated from high school. He later transferred to the Navy, and after a short time out of the military, joined the Arkansas National Guard in 1999. He had 18 years of service and was planning on retiring, in five months, when his tour in Iraq was to end.
There are many stories to reflect on.
Located at 53 N. Mt. Olive, the museum hours are 9 to 3, Fridays and Saturdays. Also, by appointment for group tours. No charge to tour. For information, call 501-796-8181.

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06/09/2025

View Bobby Richardson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/07/2025

RAIN OR SHINE. COME ON OUT. FREE TO ATTEND. The Museum of Veterans is the place to be Saturday where we will honor the 81st Anniversary of D-Day with a small re-enactment and a Ride In. Beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 7, WWII Living History Day. The event, hosted by the Central Arkansas Re-enactors Association, is free to attend and intended to pay tribute to the invasion of Fortress Europe. There will be displays and demonstrations of the weapons and equipment along with materials and what it took to achieve the greatest invasion of the Second World War. Also, a skirmish is set for 2 p.m. At 1 p.m., Punishers will complete a Ride In, honoring the late Lucky Page with a program and silent auction. Museum of Veterans, 53 N. Mt. Olive in Vilonia.

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06/02/2025

Beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 7, WWII Living History Day. The event, hosted by the Central Arkansas Re-enactors Association, is free to attend and intended to pay tribute to the invasion of Fortress Europe. Living historians will be set up with equipment that was used by the Allies and Axis troops during the invasion. There will be displays and demonstrations of the weapons and equipment along with informational talks on the men and materials and what it took to achieve the greatest invasion of the Second World War. Also, a skirmish is set for 2 p.m. At 1 p.m. Punishers D-Day will complet a Ride In, honoring the late Lucky Page with a program and silent auction. Museum of Veterans in Vilonia, 53 N. Mt. Olive in Vilonia.

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05/13/2025

RAIN OR SHINE THE SHOW WILL GO. Send me a message, if you want to come. The Museum of Veterans will host a Kidz Survival Camp set up for 9 to noon, May 17. Adults are also welcome to attend. Tyler Ridenhour, owner of the Arkansas Survival School LLC, will teach the course. There will be no charge to attend. Shelters and shelter builds (hands on) as well as fire demo and fire making (hands on) will be a part of the instruction. Tyler said he wants the attendees to get a chance to build some shelters and learn how to make fires and learn about water purification.
Those wanting to attend will be required to sign up in advance. You may do so by contacting Linda Hicks at 501-796-8181 or sending an email to [email protected]. Tyler, who also happens to be a veteran, brings extensive experience and a passion for the outdoors to his instruction. He has completed respected training programs such as the U.S. Army Pathfinder School, Basic Mountaineering Course and Air Assault School, along with multiple survival schools at various training facilities.

05/09/2025

It's time to sign up. The Museum of Veterans will host a Kidz Survival Camp set up for 9 to noon, May 17. Adults are also welcome to attend. Tyler Ridenhour, owner of the Arkansas Survival School LLC, will teach the course. There will be no charge to attend. Shelters and shelter builds (hands on) as well as fire demo and fire making (hands on) will be a part of the instruction. Tyler said he wants the attendees to get a chance to build some shelters and learn how to make fires and learn about water purification.
Those wanting to attend will be required to sign up in advance. You may do so by contacting Linda Hicks at 501-796-8181 or sending an email to [email protected]. Tyler, who also happens to be a veteran, brings extensive experience and a passion for the outdoors to his instruction. He has completed respected training programs such as the U.S. Army Pathfinder School, Basic Mountaineering Course and Air Assault School, along with multiple survival schools at various training facilities.

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04/28/2025

Activities on tap for the Museum of Veterans include:
(Month of May—school trips)
May 17—Kidz Survival Camp (adults welcome). Military vehicles. Bb gun shoot. No charge. Sign up.
May 24—Wedding (Shooter) CVMA 7-6
June 7—WWII Living History Day (all day) with skirmish at 2 p.m. Wedding (11:30 a.m. in chapel) and reception following in barn. D-Day Ride In—1 p.m.( Central Punishers). 4 p.m. (Brewer Wedding in chapel)
June 14—Junk in Your Trunk (community yard sale) No charge to set up but must sign up.
July 12—4 p.m. to 8 p.m. wedding (Brown)
Aug. 30—Fallen 13 Ride In—(War Hog Punishers) 12:30
Sept. 6—Coenen Vow Renewal 11 a.m.
Sept. 20—Bikers’ Fallen Riders Memorial of Arkansas ceremony 11 a.m.
Sept. 27—Car Show/Swap Meet
Oct. 11—Harvest Roundup/Arts and Crafts/Music (wrapping up the growing season with a celebration of vegetables, arts and crafts and community.
Oct. 18—Jason Haygood Ride In 3 p.m. (Diamond State Punishers)
Nov. 8—Veterans Day
Dec. 6 –Spirit of Christmas

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04/23/2025

Time to sign up to come. While geared toward kids, adults are more than welcome to attend. Guarantee you will learn something.
The Museum of Veterans’ Kidz Survival Camp at 53 N. Mt. Olive, in Vilonia is set for 9 a.m. until 12 noon., Saturday, May 17. It will be not only fun but it may save your child’s life.
Tyler Ridenhour, owner of the Arkansas Survival School LLC, will teach the course. There will be no charge to attend. However, those wanting to attend will be required to sign up. Tyler, who also happens to be a veteran, brings extensive experience and a passion for the outdoors to his instruction. He has completed respected training programs such as the U.S. Army Pathfinder School, Basic Mountaineering Course and Air Assault School, along with multiple survival schools at various training facilities.
At Arkansas Survival School LLC, Tyler is dedicated to creating a learning environment that empowers individuals with the confidence and competence to enjoy the wilderness safely. His goal is to equip people with practical survival techniques, fostering self-reliance and a greater appreciation for nature.
Also, military vehicles to check out, and a bbgun shoot.
If you have any questions concerning this attendance agreement (contract) or basic information about the camp please call Linda Hicks at 501-796-8181.

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04/03/2025

Countdown on for Kidz Survival Camp
The Museum of Veterans’ Kidz Survival Camp at 53 N. Mt. Olive, in Vilonia is set for 9 a.m. until 12 noon., Saturday, May 17. It will be not only fun but it may save your child’s life.
Tyler Ridenhour, owner of the Arkansas Survival School LLC, will teach the course. There will be no charge to attend. However, those wanting to attend will be required to sign up. Tyler, who also happens to be a veteran, brings extensive experience and a passion for the outdoors to his instruction. He has completed respected training programs such as the U.S. Army Pathfinder School, Basic Mountaineering Course and Air Assault School, along with multiple survival schools at various training facilities.
At Arkansas Survival School LLC, Tyler is dedicated to creating a learning environment that empowers individuals with the confidence and competence to enjoy the wilderness safely. His goal is to equip people with practical survival techniques, fostering self-reliance and a greater appreciation for nature.
If you have any questions concerning this attendance agreement (contract) or basic information about the camp please call Linda Hicks at 501-796-8181.
The agreement needs to be completed in full to confirm your reservation. You may cut and paste (private message or email). You mail also drop in the mail. P.O. Box 668, Vilonia 73173 or drop off at the museum.
Name of child: Age:
Address and phone number:
Who may pick up your child:
Who may attend: Well-behaved children ages 6 and up as well as well-behaved adults. Children, 10 and up, may be dropped off at 8:30 a.m. and pick up at 12 noon. Regardless of age, please fill out an agreement.
Behavior: While at the museum, your child will be under the supervision of program volunteers. Should your child misbehave, the child will be verbally corrected as to the wrong doing. If the child is disrespectful at any time, the adult designated on this agreement will be called and you will be asked to pick the child up immediately.
Limitations: While the event is not considered to have any rigorous activities, does your child have physical limitations?
Allergies: Does your child have allergic reactions? PLEASE READ THIS PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT FORM CAREFULLY. IT IS A LEGAL CONTRACT GIVING PERMISSION, RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, INDEMNIFICATION AND MEDICAL EMERGENCY PERMISSION, AND IT AFFECTS ANY RIGHTS YOU MAY HAVE IF YOU OR YOUR CHILD ARE INJURED OR OTHERWISE SUFFER DAMAGES WHILE PARTICIPATING IN THE KIDZ CAMP AT THE MUSEUM OF VETERANS IN VILONIA. Please print a copy of this form signed by his/her parent or guardian and return with payment.
Participation Agreement:
1. I understand that a staff member will attempt to contact the parent, guardian, or emergency contact listed on the Parent/Guardian Medical Release of this form in case of illness or injury. I authorize these representatives to contact paramedics and/or take me/my child to a hospital and be given treatment by paramedics and hospital staff as necessary.
RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMNIFICATION
1. I hereby RELEASE FROM LIABILITY, WAIVE, DISCHARGE AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE the MUSEUM OF VETERANS, and any of the officers, servants, agents and employees of the above-mentioned entities (hereinafter referred to as RELEASEES) for any liability, claim and/or cause of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage or injury, including death, that occurs as a result of participation in the specified activities. I also ASSUME THE RISKS of my child’s/children’s participation and agree to not hold the RELEASEES responsible for any loss, damage or injury that occurs as a result of participation.
2. I further agree to INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS the RELEASEES whether injury is caused by my or my child’s/children’s negligence, the negligence of the RELEASEES or the negligence of any third party. I further agree that this PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT shall bind the members of my family and spouse, if I am alive, and my heirs, assigns and personal representatives, if I am deceased, and shall be deemed as a RELEASE, WAIVER, DISCHARGE AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE the above-named RELEASEES. I hereby further agree that this PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas.
3. By signing this PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT, I state that I have read, understand, and agree to the conditions set forth herein and that I sign this form freely and voluntarily. By checking the box signing my name below, I understand that this constitutes a legal signature confirming that I acknowledge and agree to the above terms of the Participation Agreement.
Signature___________________________________________Date___________

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