15 Jul 2026 Patriotic gala supports veterans

Posted at 5:03 PMh in News by

By Stefanie Brazile

GREENBRIER — American pride and camaraderie were in the air at the fourth annual Operation Red, White, and Brave (ORWB) Gala hosted on June 11 at Legacy Acres in Conway by the ORWB Foundation. The foundation is an outreach of First Service Bank.

“Our mission is to celebrate and assist those who have served or are currently serving, along with their loved ones,” said Rebecca Grumbles Barnard, board chair of the foundation. “We understand that needs arise, and we want to help wherever we can.”

The ORWB Gala welcomed community members, dignitaries and businesses from across Arkansas to honor and support those who have dedicated their lives to serving. The room was elegantly draped in red, white and blue bunting, and flags from the Army, Air Force, Space Force, Marines and Coast Guard were on display. The program focused on gratitude, connection and continuing the mission of giving back.

Throughout the evening, guests heard powerful stories from veterans and active service members who shared firsthand experiences and the impact ORWB has had in their lives. A speaker panel responded to questions posed by emcee Lt. Col. William B.  Phillips II. The panel included First Service Bank President and CEO Tom Grumbles; Brig. Gen. Olen “Chad” Bridges; Sharri Briley, who is the widow of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Donovan Lee Briley; retired Col. Phillip Lipsmeyer; veteran Floyd Brantley, who is 100 and served in three wars; and Lt. Col. James Holifield.

The program began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Halley Hackett, Grumbles’ young granddaughter, and Katie Patrom sang a beautiful rendition of the national anthem. Brantley led the invocation. On a large screen, a moving video testimonial about a family currently receiving support from the ORWB Foundation was played. Also, each veteran in the room stood as Donald Brazile sang the military branch songs medley. At the end of the evening, Conway Fireman Stewart Wilcox played a bagpipe tribute of “Amazing Grace.”

Donations to ORWB are welcome throughout the year. “Your donations directly support veterans and their families,” said Robin Grumbles Hackett, CEO of First Service Bank. “Plus, the bank will match every contribution dollar for dollar, doubling the impact.”

Founded in 2020, ORWB reflects one of First Service Bank’s core values: patriotism. The initiative began with an ambitious goal — to raise $80,000 to build a home for a veteran. Since then, ORWB has broadened its mission to support more veterans and active military members in need.To learn more or make a donation, visit firstservicebank.com and click on the ORWB tab.