Col. Phillips to Lead Veterans Day Ceremony at UA Little Rock - News

Col. William B. Phillips II will serve as the featured speaker at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock annual Veterans Day ceremony, scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

The campus event recognizes the dedication, service, and sacrifice of veterans and active-duty military personnel, bringing together the university community in appreciation of those who have served. University of Arkansas at Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale is also slated to speak during the gathering on campus.

Phillips currently serves as the strategic communications director for the Arkansas National Guard. Joining the United States Army in 1991 marked the start of his military journey, which included completing the Georgia Military Institute’s Accelerated Officer Candidate School and receiving his infantry second lieutenant commission in 2003.

Throughout his service, Phillips has held key leadership positions ranging from platoon to brigade levels. Among his designated roles are legislative liaison, infantry platoon leader, state public affairs officer/communications director, commander of 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment, deputy J3, and deputy G1.

His military education features the United States Army War College, where he graduated as a superior graduate in 2023. Furthering his professional expertise, he has completed the Army National Guard Strategic Planning and Management Course, Maneuver Captains Career Course, Advanced Operations Course, Intermediate Level Education, Public Affairs Qualification Course, and the Cavalry Leader’s Course.

In 2019, Phillips completed his master of arts in Strategic Leadership at the University of Charleston, West Virginia, earning summa cum laude honors. He is affiliated with several organizations, including the National Infantry Association, Enlisted Association of the Arkansas National Guard, United States Cavalry and Armor Association, National Guard Association of Arkansas, The ROCKS, Inc., Army War College Alumni Association, and the Military Officers Association of America.

Among his honors and recognitions are the Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, National Infantry Association Order of Saint Maurice (Centurion), Combat Infantryman Badge, and the United States Cavalry and Armor Association Order of Saint George, Bronze Award.

Wednesday’s 11 a.m. ceremony will take place in the Leadership Lounge of the Donaghey Student Center. Light refreshments will be available in the lobby, and lunch will be offered in the Trojan Cafe from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a free meal provided to veterans presenting valid identification.