The Miss Arkansas Pageant will be held June 23 at the Hot Springs Convention Center. This year one of Monticello’s own will compete for the Miss Arkansas title of the Miss America preliminary pageant. Sarah Tucker holds the title of Miss Dogwood and is busy preparing for her chance at the crown. Here is her story.

Sarah’s parents are Gary and Beth Tucker. She and her family have lived in Monticello her whole life. She attended Monticello schools and graduated from MHS in 2006. She now attends the University of Arkansas where she received vocal and academic scholarships. She plans to major in Speech Pathology.

Sarah has not always competed in pageants. Her mother steered her away from competing when she was younger to protect her from the disappointment that comes with beauty pageants. When Sarah was 13 she talked her family into letting her enter the Petite Miss Drew County Pageant. She was crowned the winner and that sufficed her until she was 17. Then she entered the Teen Miss Arkansas preliminary pageants in Monticello and Star City. She placed 1st runner-up for Teen Miss Monticello. She received 1st place in Miss Teen Star City and secured her spot for Miss Teen Arkansas. The Miss Teen Arkansas Pageant is in conjunction with the Miss Arkansas Pageant. Sarah got a taste of the excitement of the state pageant in the Summer of 2005 where she placed in the top 10 and won Most Photogenic.

In the fall of that year, Sarah was crowned Miss Drew County. She represented our area in the Miss Arkansas State Fair Queen Pageant. She won the overall interview in the Southeast District and placed 2nd runner-up in the final pageant.

Sarah came to a point in her life where she did not want to pursue pageants but to focus on school and going to college. She quickly adjusted to college life. She does well in her classes and is a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Sorority. It was her sorority that encouraged her to enter another pageant. Lambda Chi nominated her as their representative for the Miss Sorority Pledge Queen Pageant where she placed 1st runner-up. The judges at the sorority pageant noticed Sarah’s talent and encouraged her to compete in the Miss Arkansas preliminary pageant in the Fayetteville area that would be held the following week. Sarah took the challenge, prepared for the pageant in several short days and won the title of Miss Dogwood.

Sarah’s title, Miss Dogwood, may be from northwest Arkansas but her heart is from down south. The people of Monticello have been so supportive of Sarah and her upcoming pageant. Last week Sarah along with her family and friends hosted a dinner theater. The fabulous food was prepared by Paul Smith and Jean Alexander. The audience of close to 200 people were entertained by some of our local talent. There was a silent auction with items provided from different businesses in town. Many Monticellonians who believe in Sarah helped make the event a success. The money that was raised will help Sarah with the expenses that come with the Arkansas pageant. She is so thankful for the support of her home town and plans to use the money to buy her evening gown, interview outfit, voice lessons and interview coaching.

To compete in the Miss Arkansas pageant the contestant must come prepared with a platform they deem important. Sarah’s platform is voter apathy. If Sarah wins the title of Miss Arkansas she will use her platform to help educate young people she will meet through out her reign the importance of voting. Sarah feels so strongly about her platform that she is not waiting to get a crown before she shares her concerns. Sarah has personally helped register the last three senior classes of MHS to vote.

It is not a surprise that Sarah will sing as her talent at the upcoming pageant. She is singing “If I Had My Way” by Linda Edder. This song was written as a tribute for the events of 9/11. Sarah feels the song shows patriotism and is beautiful. If Monticello has it their way Sarah deserves to be the next Miss Arkansas. She is beautiful inside and out. With or without a crown, she is a winner. One Monticello Life – Sarah Tucker.

Shanna grew up in McGeehee with her mother who worked in a local restaurant. Shanna attended school in McGeehee. She married at a young age and found that she had to quit school and join the work force. In 1992 she dropped out of school in eleventh grade and worked as a waitress. Her husband was in the military which caused her to move to Oklahoma soon after she married. There she worked at the Great American Food Company where she decorated cookies. In 1996 she moved back to McGeehee. Soon after that she had her first son, Colby, who was born in 1997. She had another son, Blake, in 2001. But it was is in that same year her marriage ended.

Shanna traveled to different states in the years following her divorce. She lived in Oklahoma for a while where she worked at a postal store. She also lived in New Mexico and went back to waiting tables at a restaurant. She wanted to live in the southwest for a change in her life but found that she did not like the terrain. She not only missed the trees and grass but also her family, so she moved back to Arkansas in 2006.

One of the main reasons she moved back home was to help with her grandparents, Geraldine and Orlando Cingolani. She now lives down the street from her grandparents. This puts her near by to help them with their house or when they need someone to take them to the doctor. They are not the only ones who benefit. Shanna’s sons enjoy spending time with their grandparents as well.

Since moving back to Arkansas Shanna has realized how hard it is to get a job with a meaningful salary and benefits without a high school diploma. This spurred her on to get her GED. She wanted to be able to have a job that would support her family and also be able to start saving for her children’s education.

After the help of Monticello Adult Education, Shanna passed the GED test and received her Arkansas High School Diploma this past Thursday night. Her family and children were present and proud of her accomplishments. Shanna feels it is never too late to succeed. She plans to further her education in the fall by enrolling at UAM. Her goal is to become a nurse. The Adult Education philosophy that education enhances the ability to effect positive changes in lives is proven true for our one Monticello life - Shanna Cingolani.

Anna moved to Southeast Arkansas when she was four years old. Her dad transferred to this area to work for Potlach. Her mother is an art teacher but stayed at home until Anna and her sister, Rachel, were in Middle School. Anna attended school in Monticello her entire school career. She feels that being in Monticello schools for all 13 years makes graduation even more special. But this is not the only reason the people of Monticello are special to her.

When Anna was 13 years old, the summer before her 8th grade year, she was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) leukemia. Her family had noticed that she was tired, anemic and pale. After some blood work and a trip to Arkansas Children’s Hospital Anna realized that she would not be able to live life as normal for a while. Anna had danced at Kim’s Dance Factory since a young child and found dancing was her passion. She also had made the Middle School Cheerleading squad months before her diagnosis. Her fear was that she would not be able to continue doing her favorite things because of her diagnosis and the two year long treatment regimen.

This was not the case though because of the love and support of those close to her. Anna continued dancing and never missed a recital. She also was able to cheer at some of the football games. Her friends and teachers were so supportive. Debbie Morrison was her tutor during her eighth grade year. With her help Anna was able to stay on top of her school work. Anna is still very grateful for the support she received from the whole community either by their prayers, notes or flowers.

Today Anna is not only a MHS honor graduate but she is also cancer free. She continued dancing and cheering most of her school career. She was also able to be a part of the new EAST lab program that started her tenth grade year. This program is a community based project learning lab. It was her favorite class all through high school. The class allowed Anna to learn different computer skills like video editing, graphic design, architecture, computer-aided drafting. This class was not only spent behind the computer but it also involved getting out into the community. Some of the projects Anna was able to be a part of were getting broad ban into the rural areas of Southeast Arkansas, design the Monticello Billies football program and the city’s future Animal Shelter project.

Anna will attend the University of Arkansas in the fall. Although she was awarded the Dean’s scholarship at UCA and a $40,000 scholarship for the Savannah School of Art and Design in Georgia, she feels UA is the best choice for her mainly because she knows that she wants to pursue Architecture and Design. UA will allow her to be closer to home and friends. She also feels that what she has learned in EAST Lab will only prepare her for the UA incredible programs that are in her field.

What Anna has learned at school and in life even through cancer has only strengthened her. Her stamina and determination to succeed are tremendous. The people of Monticello will be anxious to see what achievements are to come for this one Monticello life- Anna Newberry.

Curtis grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was raised most of his life by his mother. Curtis’s mother worked outside the home as a housekeeping supervisor. This did not keep Curtis’s mother from teaching him the qualities of being a supportive, involved and caring parent. Curtis lived in New Orleans until 2003. Curtis made his way to Monticello though not as a result of Hurricane Katrina He moved here to work in outside machineries department at Seark Boats. He quickly found Monticello a place to call home. That same year he married Katrina who is also from New Orleans. After they married Katrina moved here and became assistant manager at our local McDonalds.

Together Curtis and Katrina have a life-sized family. Curtis has two daughters, Rhonda and Curtiz, that live out of state. Katrina has a son, Darence, who is 12 years old and a 6th grader at MIS. The couple now have a new addition to their family, Curtis Jr., who is six months old.

But their own flesh and blood are not the only children they call their own. Curtis shared with his family in Louisiana about how he liked Monticello’s family atmosphere and great school systems. His sister felt that her children would do well living in Monticello with Curtis. So in 2003 Curtis and Katrina took on the responsibility of raising Curtis’s neice and nephew, Kendrial Barrow and Garry Hill. Kendrial is 12 years old, a 7th grader at MIS and is very helpful at home. She helps take care of the new baby and is always there to cheer on her brother,Garry, at his many sports activities. Garry is 9 years old and is very busy this time of year playing baseball. Curtis makes sure Garry is involved in all the sports that interest him.

Garry’s biggest fan would have to be his uncle. Curtis provides Garry with all the practicing tools he needs at home to excel in whatever sport is in season. Curtis is at every ball practice and game cheering on not only Garry but also all his teammates. Curtis is not only interested in his ‘kids’ when it comes to sports. His wife, Katrina, says Curtis is a family man. She says “He helps with anything we need him to do.” He is always available to care for his new baby whether it is fixing bottles or changing diapers. He also helps when he can with school work and is present at school activities, like Donuts for Dads.

Garry pitched Friday night in his little league baseball game. Many were there to cheer on the teams. As always, Curtis was close by in the dugout. He is faithful to be a great supporter on and off the baseball field. Curtis Barrow, one Monticello life.

This weekend hundreds of young girls showcased their talent at the Kim’s Dance Factory year-end recital. The dancers had practiced for months for their time to shine. One of the solo acts at the weekend performance was Jessaca Mioko Shepherd. At a young five years of age Jessaca took the stage with confidence. One reason for this was the influence of her mother, Yukiko Shepherd. This is her story.

Yukiko was born and raised in Fukuoka, Japan. Her parents still live in Japan where her dad, Kenichi Yamashita, holds an executive position at a gas company and her mother, Mariko Yamashita, is an accountant. She and her brother, Hirofumi Yamashita, were raised to learn at every turn and to experience all you could from life. Yukiko’s interest early on was the English language. It was her mother’s influence that brought her to get a Bachelor’s Degree in English Linguistics.

Taking her family’s advice opened the door for Yukiko to explore the world. Before coming to Southeast Arkansas she lived in Georgia, France and London. It is because of Jessaca that Yukiko now resides in Monticello. Yukiko met Jessaca’s dad in Japan. He was in the American Navy. The couple married while in Japan. Jessaca was born at the US Navy base in Japan on December 4, 2001. Wanting Jessaca to know her American grandparents, Walter and Rita Shepherd, is one reason Yukiko makes Monticello her home. Yukiko quickly found her nitch in Arkansas. She works at the District Court of Drew County Civil Division and teaches Japanese at UAM.

In the Japanese culture when you name your children you consider the meaning of the name and pick it based on what you want for your child. Yukiko means “to explore life on your own.” When her parents chose this name for her their wish for her was for her to experience all this world had for her. She definately has taken that challenge. In naming her own child she chose Jessaca Mioko which means “beautiful cherry blossom.” Because it takes ten years for a cherry blossom tree to bloom Yukiko takes these early years with Jessaca seriously. She feels that Jessaca is in the process of blooming. Her hope is that Jessaca will continue to be nurtured by the love of her family and friends. Yukiko feels this time is best for Jessaca to work on her talents and education in anticipation for the day she will blossom into a beautiful talented young lady. After last nights performance Jessaca proved that she is in bloom. Much of this is due in part by the loving care of her mother, Yukiko Shepherd – one Monticello life.

The best fertilizer is the gardener’s shadow. ~Author Unknown

For one Monticellonian, gardening is a way of life. What started as spending time with her grandmother grew into a deep love of the outdoors and gardening. This is Estrallyn Jone’s story.

Estrallyn grew up in Monticello. Her mother was a school teacher and her father worked in a grocery store. Because her parents worked she spent much of her time with her grandmother, Thella Hankins. Thella was the President of the Garden Club in her day and did not neglect to teach those who came behind her the art of gardening. Not all who learn are blessed to have a green thumb, but for Estrallyn gardening came easy.

While raising her family, Estrallyn lived in Lacey. She lived on eight acres and found many ways to use the land. She had a large garden she used to feed her family. A gazebo in her yard was adorned with her favorite tropical plants and ferns. All the flower beds were beautifully covered with plants. She and her family also had a love for animals. She raised many different animals and eventually created a menagerie. The animals that she took care of were deer, beaver, bears, chicken, ducks, raccoons and fox. Local people would visit her land to see the animals but always left awestruck by her immaculate yard. At one point a local paper came to feature the animals, but her yard instead was the main attraction.

After her two children were grown, Estrallyn went another route with her love of gardening. She began working outside the home by helping others with their gardening adventures. She has helped many around town with flower selection. She is perfect to give advice on where flowers should be planted. She has spent the last 12 years at Greenscape Nursery owned by Terry Hopper. She orders all the plants. She sets up the displays at the store. She also runs the office and does the bookkeeping. She travels to Louisiana and Arkansas to bring back the best products for her customers. Estrallyn prefers to be outside and finds her line of work therapeutic. Ironically, her own yard is now neglected. She spends most of her time in town helping her many clients. Her advice for the local gardener is that it is too early for Periwinkles. She predicts the weather will stay cool until after Easter, so hold off to plant your bedding plants.

Estrallyn has six grandchildren. It is too early to tell if any of hers will follow in her footsteps. But she is grateful for what legacy her grandmother left behind. The love of gardening and the great outdoors has brightened many days for her and those she has helped around town. Estrallyn Jones – One Monticello Life.

“I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world.” These words can be heard from the mouths of millions of young 4-H members across our nation. What started in the early 1900s to educate the young children of rural farmers has now grown into one of the country’s largest extracurricular youth programs. 4-H is not absent in Monticello. In fact, one of the fastest growing features of our local 4-H is the shooting sports program, and this group is mainly organized by Terry Koone. This is his story:

Terry Koone grew up in Conway, Arkansas. His dad worked for Southwestern Bell and his mom was a Farmers Home Administrator. He was the second oldest of four boys in his family. He grew up hunting, fishing and camping. All of these were a family affair and happened almost every weekend. He attended UCA and received a degree in business. He has worked for Farm Bureau as a claims adjuster most of his life.

In 1981 he married Jackie who was from Vilonia. That same year they moved to Monticello and made it their home. Terry and Jackie have two children, Kristen, 21 and Steven, 16. Terry became involved in 4-H for them. When his daughter was nine, she joined the organization. She was involved in several aspects of the club. She won state competitions in cooking. In photography she once was featured in the national 4-H calendar. Although Terry was not a part of 4-H when he grew up, he loved that his kids were a part of a group that had a “hands-on” philosophy. He loved to see them “grow and excel.”

His son, Steven, received a bow for Christmas at age 12. Terry didn’t bow-shoot and found the Drew County Bow Club ready and willing to help him and his son with their new hobby. At that time, Terry realized that 4-H had a shooting sports program on a national level but not in Monticello . He made a decision then to help begin one for the Drew County 4-H.

This is now the sixth year for the 4-H shooting sports program. The first year there were two students. In the third year, they had 8 students but no full teams to compete on a state level. In 2005, they had enough students to compete on a state level. They had a Junior Team (ages 9-13) and a Senior Team (ages 14-19). That year the Junior Team brought home 34 trophies and received a total of 60 ribbons. Last year they raised the bar and brought home 86 ribbons. The group is excited about the possibilities this year now that it has grown to over 40 students.

The 4-H Shooting Sports Progam has been a “blessing” for Terry. He does not get paid financially for his involvement or time but says that watching the kids grow and learn is payment enough for him. Terry is passionate about the organization and what it teaches the kids.

Although there are no gun clubs in Drew County, and there are no gun ranges around for the kids to practice, it didn’t stop Terry from making this possible for the kids of the shooting club.The 4-H shooting club started and still meets in Terry’s 20-acre backyard. He uses old signs from around town for targets, and there is always a firearm for someone to use. When the program started they had no equipment. Terry has used his own money at times to see that the needs are met. He has also involved as many people and parents as he can to see the program succeed. The Drew County Bow Club lets the 4-H club run a concession stand for their invitationals and have also given several bows to the 4-H group. The Friends of the NRA has a grant program that the Drew County 4-H applies for each year, and the 4-H students sell raffle tickets for the Friends of the NRA which allows the 4-H to receive some of the proceeds and/or equipment. Terry has seen the program grow by leaps and bounds and says it is “the best kept secret in the state of Arkansas.”

This program is not just about kids and firearms. The 4-H Shooting Sports Program has 4 disciplines: shotgun, .22, black-powder and archery. Terry has completed the instructional programs to train in these areas both on the state and national levels. The participants not only shoot targets, but they also learn the importance of safety, competition, life skills and practice. 4-H is open to all students ages 9-19, and there are many different 4-H programs here in Drew County. For about 40 shooting-sport students who meet twice a month in Rock Springs, the lessons they learn and fun they have make them thankful for Terry’s dedication and vision. He is a great example of the 4-H pledge. His heart has helped many young Monticellonians. Thank you, Terry Koone – one Monticello life.

Louine was born in 1917 and grew up in McGehee. Her father owned the local grocery store, and her mother was a housewife. After she graduated from high school in 1934, she attended UAM where her uncle was the President. She graduated in 1938 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and History and a certificate in teaching.

After college, she traveled to Missouri’s Chilacotti Business College, her father’s alma mater. Upon completion of business college, she had planned to work in civil service in Washington, D.C.; however, the trip was cancelled because her friend who was to accompany her backed out. Her parents didn’t like the idea of her going that far alone. Louine decided to hunt for work in Little Rock. It was there in 1941 at a dance at the Fredericka Hotel that she met Bob.

Bob Leech grew up in Kansas City, MO. His dad was in the Western Auto business. His mother was a housewife but died when he was five years old. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Missouri where he played halfback for the football team. Playing in the 1940 Orange Bowl was a sports highlight for him. One of his college classmates was Wal-Mart’s Sam Walton. Bob graduated with a degree in accounting and business.

That night at the Fredericka Hotel, Bob drew Louine as his dance partner. After that evening, their courtship began. A year later, on March 22, 1942 they were married in the parsonage of First Baptist Church in San Luis, California. This March will be their 65th wedding anniversary.

One of the special and unique charms about this couple is their love for travel. The trip to California in 1942 to get married was just the beginning of many road trips and globe trotting for them. Throughout their marriage they have traveled on every continent except for Antarctica. Some of their trips were to China, Russia, Scotland, Ireland, Scandinavia, Germany, the Holy Land, Nova Scotia, and the New England states.

Bob served for five years during World War II, and following the war, He and Louine settled in McGehee where Bob worked in Louine’s father’s grocery store. His work there opened a long career in the grocery business which led them to owning stores in McGehee, Dermott, and Monticello.

In 1964, they relocated to Monticello with their three children. For 26 years, they operated the Sunflower Food Store here in town, first on Gaines Street and then on Main Street. They sold the stores and retired in 1986.

They stay busy these days in their golden years. If they’re not traveling on bus trips, then they’re most likely spending time with their family and friends. They remain active members of First United Methodist Church. Louine is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and plays bridge regularly. Bob still enjoys football and keeps up with his favorite teams.

Recently, on a cruise the couple was recognized as being married longer than anyone else on board. When asked what they attributed their successful, long and happy marriage to, Bob quickly said, “Two words: Yes Ma’am!”

Laughter and love for life characterize this special couple. They have truly been blessed. And in Bob’s words, “Blessed a little extra.” They are together for life: Bob and Louine Leech.

If you don’t have it in your heart, it doesn’t matter what you’ve got in your head. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.
Barbara Johnson

This quote is an expression of how one Monticello couple has been ‘together for life’. Committed to education and committed to each other have gone hand in hand for Louis and Bobbie Dunlap. Here is their story:

Louis and Bobbie met at Shorter Junior college in NLR in 1956. Bobbie Binns Dunlap grew up in Monticello. And Louis was raised in West Helena. They both transfered to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff after they completed junior college. It was UAPB they started dating. They loved spending time together and knew that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, but they did not let their love for each other keep them from completing their education.

Bobbie graduated with an Elementary Education degree in 1960, and Louis finished his math degree in 1962. The couple committed their lives to each other at a house wedding with friends and family on December 23, 1961. After a couple of short teaching jobs around south Arkansas, Louis and Bobbie decided to make Monticello their home. They both landed their first Monticello teaching jobs at the segregated Drew Schools east of town. Bobbie taught for 9 years at the Drew Schools. She spent the majority of her 31 years as a teacher teaching first grade at WC Whaley. Her love of teaching paid off for her in 1990 when she was named Monticello’s Teacher of the Year. After she retired from teaching she worked for the school district in the Parenting Program.

Louis loved to teach and be taught. He taught math at Drew Schools for 11 years. After integration he taught math at MHS. In 1969 he completed his Masters degree at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. But because of his love for math and teaching he took many advanced study classes. UT Austin, Texas Southern University, U of A, Southeastern University of Oklahoma. He felt that it was important to stay updated in the different ideas and trends in math. He often shared his findings with colleagues. It was after a lecture in 1973 Louis gave at a teachers conference that E.V. Gray, chairman of UAM math department, approached him and asked him to consider becoming a math professor at UAM. That fall Louis became the first African-American professor at UAM. He enjoyed the smaller classes and close-knit atmosphere at UAM. He taught there for 23 years and retired in 1996.

Today the Dunlaps have been married for 45 years. They enjoy being together every day. Louis keeps himself busy with work around the house and loves to garden. Bobbie is a member of the Effie Brooks Civic Club and stays busy with community service projects. They attend Holmes Chapel Presbyterian Church. The couple enjoys exercising together throughout the week at South Arkansas Rehabilitation’s Healthy STEPS program for senior citizens. They have one daughter, Sharon, and two grandchildren who they enjoy spending time with now that they are retired.

The secret to their love story is in how they treat each other. The fact that they are both teachers has only helped in their marriage. They learned early on the importance of communicating and respecting each other. They make a point to treat each other today the same way they did when they were dating. A day does not go by without affection and words of affirmation which has kept them together for life – Louis and Bobbie Dunlap.

JB & Amy Duncan met as college students at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. They both attended the Baptist Collegiate Ministry and became involved there. Although the saw each other often, their first “date” came by accident.

Several of their friends went bowling one evening and had planned to meet afterwards at the movies. However, upon arrival at the theater, JB found that Amy was the only one present, and vice versa. They proceeded to the movie together, and after the show, JB asked Amy, “So, what are we doing tomorrow night?” This began an interesting courtship.

For six weeks after the night at the movies, JB & Amy were together just like any other dating couple, but their courtship had begun during the Iraq war. When JB was 17, he had joined the Army National Guard and committed to serve his country. However, he admits that he mainly joined for the college money offered.

Four days before Valentine’s Day, JB was called up to serve in Iraq. He spent two months at Fort Polk, Iowa for mobilization training. Their physical separation, however, did not keep JB and Amy from connecting with one another. They continued their relationship by talking daily on their cell phones. They both realized that their relationship was becoming more significant.

In March, JB had a weekend pass to go home. Although only a month away from deployment, he knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Amy. During the weekend, JB asked Amy to marry him on his knees while on a nature trail at Cane Creek. Amy excitedly accepted, although she knew the details of a wedding would be overshadowed by the war in Iraq.

JB left for his service assignment in April 2003, engaged but unsure of how long his term would be. He was a motor transport operator who escorted convoys. His job was to protect the trucks that carried U.S. Postal mail from troop to troop.

His busy schedule did not keep him from writing Amy everyday. Amy also was busy writing daily. It took 2-3 weeks for the letters to arrive in each place. They communicated by phone every two weeks. It was on a call in November 2003 that Amy and JB set the date for their wedding – the next month, on December 13.

Amy planned her Christmas wedding in a short month. After JB found out he would get to come home for several weeks, they knew this would be perfect opportunity to get married. Their Saturday wedding was held at First Baptist Church Monticello. Although Amy had only a month to plan it all, the wedding was a success.

Amy had time to buy her favorite wedding dress. Her grandmother managed to make all four bridesmaids’ dresses. Since it was Christmas time, the church was decorated with candles and poinsettias. JB and Amy even had a four-day honeymoon at Big Cedar Lodge.

Although they did not let war stop them from pursuing their dreams, it did force JB to return to Iraq for the rest of his assignment.

JB had essentially flown in to the States, gotten married and then returned to the Middle East. So the beginning of their marriage was anything but normal. They were unsure of when his service would end due to the volatility of the Iraq situation. Amy decided to sit out of school for a semester and moved back home to Warren to live with her parents and work at a bank there.

Amy and JB continued their letter-writing and talked on the phone as often as they could. They are glad that they learned early in their marriage the importance of communication. They also learned to not worry about the small things in life. It was hard for them to get stressed about everyday struggle when people were dying daily in the war.

After only three more months, JB was grateful to learn that his division was being sent home. He had completed his term of service. JB returned to Monticello, college and his new wife. They moved into married student housing at UAM.

JB is a senior majoring in speech communication, and he plans to graduate in May 2007. His goal is to return to the Army and work full time in counter terrorism.

Amy finished her bachelor of science degree in exercise science in May 2006. She currently directs the Healthy STEPs program (for senior adults) at South Arkansas Rehabilitation.

Life is now somewhat normal for this married couple, but their early years together will always be special to JB and Amy. Through love and war, they have learned commitment and are Together for Life.