Morrilton’s own Jerry Ashby has been inducted into the Arkansas Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025, honored in the “Service in the Community” category. It is a recognition that reflects not only his courage in uniform but also the decades he has spent pouring into his neighbors, his fellow veterans, and families across Arkansas.
The Arkansas Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization created to shine a public light on the honor that Arkansas veterans and their families bring to our state and nation through their sacrifice and service. Jerry’s story is a powerful example of that mission in action.
From a Love of the Flag to a Life of Service
Jerry’s path to the Hall of Fame began long before medals and ceremonies. As a boy, he loved the American flag and what it stood for. In 9th grade, life took a hard turn when he was expelled from school. Instead of giving up, he went to work, using his hands, learning responsibility, and growing a quiet determination to do more with his life.
That turning point came when his sister’s boyfriend took him to talk with military recruiters. Jerry walked into that office as a young man looking for direction and walked out having enlisted in the United States Navy in 1964.
He trained as an aviation electrician, a role that demanded he quickly master subjects like trigonometry and calculus—no small task for someone who had once been kicked out of school. He rose to the challenge, serving with distinction and completing three tours in Vietnam. His military career ultimately ended after spinal surgery, and he retired from the Navy in 1981 with eleven and a half years of active service.
For his duty and sacrifice, Jerry received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and Good Conduct Award. But if you ask him, he will tell you that his service did not stop when he took off the uniform.
Healing Through Honoring Others
Like many veterans of the Vietnam War, Jerry carried invisible wounds alongside his service record. Over time, he discovered that one of the most powerful paths to healing was to honor others.
He found that calling with the Arkansas Patriot Guard Riders. For eleven and a half years, he stood alongside grieving families, holding the flag and offering simple, steady support as they laid their loved ones to rest. He eventually served in every leadership position within the organization, including state captain for two and a half years.
For Jerry, this was not about recognition or titles. It was about presence. Standing in silent respect and letting families know that their sacrifice—and the sacrifice of their loved one—would not be forgotten. As he has reflected, the price of freedom is felt deeply when you stand beside those who have lost someone in its defense.
In offering comfort he could not receive for his own past, Jerry found a way to mend parts of his heart that Vietnam had wounded.
A Lifetime of Service in Morrilton and Beyond
Jerry’s induction into the Hall of Fame is built on far more than his military record. It is also a recognition of his extraordinary community service at the local, state, and even national level.
Here in Morrilton, he has been a steady, active leader for decades. His roles and accomplishments include:
- Commander of the Nathan G. Gordon American Legion Post 39, where he continues to advocate for veterans and their families.
- Race relations committee member during the South Conway County School District desegregation case, standing for fairness and unity in a pivotal moment in local history.
- Founder and leader of the Conway County Angel Tree Toy Run, bringing Christmas joy to children and families in need.
- Organizer of the Arkansas Run for the Fallen State Capitol Flag Line, recruiting volunteers so that every runner could see a proud flag line as they approached the finish.
- Founder and location coordinator of Wreaths Across America at Elmwood Cemetery in Morrilton, ensuring that veterans laid to rest there are honored each year with a wreath and a moment of remembrance.
In 2024, Jerry was named “Citizen of the Year” by the Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce, a local honor that now stands alongside his statewide recognition in the Arkansas Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame.
Honoring a Hometown Hero
The “Service in the Community” category of the Arkansas Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame is reserved for individuals who not only served their country in uniform but also continued to serve their communities long after their military careers ended.
As a city, we are proud to celebrate Jerry’s induction into the Arkansas Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame. We are grateful for his courage, humbled by his perseverance, and inspired by his example.
Please join the City of Morrilton in congratulating Commander Jerry Ashby.