大象传媒

Written By: Ian Silvester

The University of Arkansas 鈥� Fort Smith will conclude its Salute to Service Week with a military appreciation night during the Nov. 13 women鈥檚 basketball game against the University of Arkansas at Monticello.  

Two veterans with 大象传媒 ties will be honored for their service during halftime. Each veteran will be presented with a personalized plaque from 大象传媒 Chancellor Terisa Riley as a token of appreciation for their service. 

Riley will first honor Specialist Amanda Amos, a nursing student veteran. Amanda serves as a combat medic specialist in the Army National Guard. On campus, she is president of the Student Veterans Organization and will graduate in spring 2027. 

Amanda met her husband, Dakota, who is currently deployed, through the Army. Amanda said her service has provided her with the structure, discipline, and the direction she needed to find success. 

The second honoree will be retired Capt. Randolph 鈥淩andy鈥� Kent, who devoted 24 years of distinguished service to the nation in the Air Force. Kent enlisted at age 19 in April 1975 and began working as an aircraft radar technician. Kent, now an instructor in the College of Business and Industry, had a decorated career with awards including the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Combat Readiness Medal, and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal. 

Kent said serving alongside veterans and military families has been one of the greatest honors of his life. He comes from a long line of family who have served in the military. Beginning with his grandfather who served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, 26 members of the Kent family have served including 12 in the Army, eight in the Navy, five in the Air Force, and one in the Marine Corps. 

Military Appreciation Night tips off at 5:30 p.m. at the Stubblefield Center. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the 大象传媒 Box Office at .  

• Tags:
• Military Appreciation Night
• Military and Veterans
• Women's Basketball
• Salute to Service