Check Out These Two Ark-La-Tex 'Salute to Service' Local Heroes

Townsquare Media / Texarkana is always proud to feature our Nation's heroes, at work and at play whenever we get the chance to do so, today we have two to share with you. Look out, Marines and Army in the da' house!

US Marine Col. John Cowart

Marine Col John Cowart - Photo: Lance Cpl David Brandes

U.S. Marine Corps Col. John Cowart, commanding officer, Marine Corps Advisory Company Alpha, a native of Texarkana, Texas, addresses attendees of the MCAC Alpha Relief and Appointment Ceremony on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Aug. 12, 2023. MCAC provides trained and capable military advisors to work with foreign militaries and security forces of foreign nations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Brandes)

Marine Col John Cowart and Master Gunnery Sgt. Travis Thompson - Photo: Lance Cpl David Brandes

U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Travis Thompson, outgoing senior enlisted advisor, Marine Corps Advisory Company Alpha, a native of Piney Flats, Tennessee, presents the non-commissioned officer’s sword to Col. John Cowart, commanding officer, MCAC Alpha, a native of Texarkana, Texas, during the MCAC Alpha Relief and Appointment Ceremony on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Aug. 12, 2023.

US Army Spc. Rex Harrison

Rex Harrison video screen cap - Video Staff Sgt Ryan Rayno

Spc. Rex Harrison, is from Redwater, Texas, and is currently a chemical, biological, radioactive, and nuclear specialist for 323rd Chemical Company, 476th Chemical Battalion, 455th Chemical Brigade, discusses Table I and II qualification tables of the M2A1 machine gun as part of Mobilization Exercise Level II July 21, 2023, at Fort McCoy, Wis. MOBEX II is meant to train and validate U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers to conduct post-mobilization and deployment operations necessary to provide a combatant commander with trained and ready forces. (U.S. Army video by Staff Sgt. Ryan Rayno)

As always, we consider it an honor and privilege to feature our hometown heroes whenever we can. Without them and those who came before them, none of what we do and the freedoms we enjoy are possible.

Salute!

26 Country Stars You Won't Believe Aren't Grand Ole Opry Members

Fifteen living CMA or ACM Entertainers of the Year are not members of the Grand Ole Opry, and a few of them barely recognize the vaunted stage. George Strait, Kenny Chesney and Willie Nelson are three legends who rarely play the Grand Ole Opry. Why?

That answer is often difficult to determine, but this list suggests reasons where appropriate. Membership into the Grand Ole Opry comes with an obligation to play the show frequently, but that's often set aside (Barbara Mandrell is an inactive member, for example). Only living artists are considered, and once a member dies, they are no longer a member.

As of 2023, there are more than 70 members of the Grand Ole Opry. Historically, nearly 250 men, women and groups were members — so, it's a select group that excludes several Country Music Hall of Famers.

25 True Crime Locations: What Do They Look Like Today?

Below, find out where 25 of the most infamous crimes in history took place — and what the locations are used for today. (If they've been left standing.)