LT. Colonel Stephen Douglas Gray

Description:

LT Col Gray, Fayetteville, U.S. Air Force, Viet Nam. Awards include the Bronze Star for exceptionally meritorious combat achievement, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster. LTC Gray’s civilian awards include the Kiwanis Club Community Leadership award, the Lions Club Dalstrom Award, and the Fayetteville Exchange Club Community Leadership Award.

LT Col Gray began his military service serving as air control squadron commander in Vietnam, director of The Air National Guard recruiting program in the Pentagon, and as an advisor to the commander-in-chief, United States Air Force. After retiring from the US Air Force in 1994 LT Col Gray initially served as military advisor for then-congressman (now Arkansas governor) Asa Hutchinson during his time in the US House of Representatives. LT Col Gray then went to work for then-congressman (now Senator) John Boozman's office as a “jack of all trades” serving as military liaison, assisting the office staff field questions about veterans issues and most notably serving as a contact between veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs in helping to file medical benefit claims. LT Col Gray most lauded work extended to the effort he plays into a medal presentation ceremony that Senator Boozman's office conducted across the state to honor Arkansas Veterans for the military service; it is estimated that LT Col Gray conducted nearly 900 ceremonies, personalizing each one to its respective veteran. After 17 years LT Col Gray retired from Senator Bozeman's office in January 2015. However, he did not stop serving or working to assist Arkansas veterans or his local community. He has volunteered his time with the following Civic and veteran service organizations polling Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, Fayetteville Exchange Club, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, Fayetteville autumnfest committee, NWA Veterans Day Association, singing men of Arkansas, Veteran's Health Care system of the Ozarks, Military Officers Association of America, and the Fayetteville National Cemetery advisory Council.

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The Arkansas Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame, Inc. (AMVHOF) is a non-profit organization [501(c)(3)] that is based and incorporated in Arkansas whose objective is to publicly emphasize the honor brought to our state and nation by the sacrifice of Arkansas Military Veterans and their families.