Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) concluded his Hometown Heroes tour of the Fourth District focused on the men, women, and businesses who have selflessly served their communities in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Westerman issued the following statement:
"This year has been especially difficult for the entire nation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but when hard times present themselves, the people of Arkansas step up to help each other. It was an honor to meet those who rose to the occasion. These inspiring stories are another reason why I am so proud to represent Arkansas' Fourth District. I appreciate the people who took the time to nominate a member of their community and the heroes who generously served others throughout this challenging year."
Background
The Hometown Heroes tour was aimed at recognizing those who have selflessly served their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. On each visit, Westerman honored the awardees and presented them with a certificate recognizing their exceptional service. Each hero's story will be shared on Westerman's social media channels over the next several weeks.
The full itinerary:
- Ms. Betty Cook, who delivered meals to children in need when schools were closed | Sheridan
- Ms. Lisa Grove,who uses social media to spotlight local businesses | Sheridan
- Ms. Melrita Johnson who mentors young social workers and collects food, toiletry, and infant necessities donations | Pine Bluff
- Ms. Lynette Bloomberg, who used her sewing machine to make hundreds of masks for her fellow residents | Pine Bluff
- Mr. Daryl Graydon, owner of Lil D's BBQ, who provided meals for front line workers and residents in need at no cost | Pine Bluff
- Ms. Lynn Wilson, owner of Rison Pharmacy, whose owners and employees organized charitable drives and went above and beyond to educate the public on the COVID-19 vaccine | Rison
- Mr. Nathan Greeley, Bearden Police Chief, who bought essentials for the homebound with his own money, delivered medications, and conducted wellness checks on sick residents | Bearden
- Mr. and Mrs. Scott and Elena Bruewer,who drove nursing home staff to and from work and provided meals during the snowstorms | El Dorado
- Ms. Linda Vestal, owner of Memory Lane Café, who installed a "pay-it-forward" board to give customers the opportunity to help their fellow citizens who are in need and donated PPE to the City of Belleville for public events | Belleville
- Ms. Mary Graham, who facilitates a county-wide food bank for approximately 150 families each week and drives 70 miles round trip to gather donations | Ozark
- Ms. Angel Yother, who created a Facebook page with nearly 3,000 members called "Sharing my Hometown," which keeps residents informed on where to find food and shelter and promotes local businesses. Ms. Yother also drove residents to and from work and delivered food to those in need | Ozark
- Ms. Misty Sevenstar, employee of Alma First Baptist, who organized and hosted COVID-19 vaccine clinics to distribute nearly one thousand vaccines | Alma
- Mr. Tommy Stueart, Mena Police Chief, who safely managed his Department during the COVID-19 pandemic | Mena
- Mr. and Mrs. Todd and Lori Finley - Mrs. Finley is the Jo Ann Walters Elementary School Principal and Mr. Finley is the school's girls basketball and softball coach as well as the health teacher. Mrs. Finley provided a quality educational experience to students who had no access to internet service in order to learn virtually. Mr. Finley safely kept the sports programs going during the pandemic | Dierks
