30 Jun 2025 Salute to service

I had been married less than two years when we bought a historic, Tudor-style home in an established neighborhood. The power lines draped across backyards and mingled in the branches of large oak trees. Shortly after we moved in, my husband was out of town when late one evening a thunderstorm popped up, and I found myself without power. A branch from the big oak had fallen. As a new homeowner, there was no landlord to call, and I was fearful and unsure what to do next. 

Then I heard a knock at the door. My next-door neighbor, Travis Odom, was there with a smile and an offer to help, and my stress level immediately dropped. That was the first of many acts of service that he and his wife, Dona, showed a young couple, and we’ve never forgotten them.

Our July issue is dedicated to stories about those who serve others. It’s a fitting theme during the month that we celebrate the 249th birthday of our nation, because what makes the U.S. great is its people. And when you think about what determines quality of life, a key consideration is the people around you and their attitudes towards others.

Opportunities to serve abound, but we have to slow down and look beyond the walls of our homes. We must think about what others need, and if we can meet some of that need, are we willing to step out of our front door and help?

I am inspired by our “Salute to Service” content. Our couple of the month feature introduces two sergeants who are in the Air Force. The person of the month is the executive director of the nonprofit Hearts Of Our Heroes, and our artist of the month feature tells the backstory of the Arkansas Art Collective, which offers artists a beautiful gallery to display their work and the public free entry to view and purchase it.

The dental community came together in April and helped 1,302 people during their annual Arkansas Mission of Mercy weekend. And the nonprofit Community Connections offers children with disabilities the chance to participate in sports and fun activities at no cost to parents. 

The 501 is full of neighbors who knock on doors when the power goes out. I hope we inspire you to put your talents to work as you read this issue of 501 LIFE. 

Stefanie Brazile
Editor