By: Kinsey Martin

Along with some other members of my TARS club, I had the wonderful opportunity to help the community out just a bit, and at the same time honor our fallen soldiers.

Laying a simple wreath on a headstone may seem like a small thing, but to me it was eye opening. Getting the chance to read the names, seeing just how many have given their lives for our freedom was beyond humbling; as I heard it very well put, “Every stone tells a story.”

I’d like to say a huge thank you to those who serve or have served, and thank you to the families for your sacrifice as well. Having the chance to participate in Christmas Honors, was definitely worth the winter weather.

Kinsey and the River Valley TARS participated in Wreaths Across America, helping lay Christmas wreaths on soldiers’ tombstones at the Fort Smith U.S. National Cemetery.  The River Valley TARS are the winners of the Rising Star Club Award for 2016-2017.