Col. William B. Phillips II Inspires Community at UA Little Rock Veterans Day Ceremony

Col. William B. Phillips II challenged the University of Arkansas at Little Rock community to honor veterans by striving to become better versions of themselves during a Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday, ualr.edu reported.

Speaking to students, faculty, and staff, the strategic communications director for the Arkansas National Guard suggested that meaningful service extends far beyond the wearing of a military uniform. He argued that individuals can act as catalysts for change by standing up for what is right and committing to the service of their local communities.

The ceremony, held on the university campus, serves as an annual recognition of the dedication and sacrifice inherent in military service. For UA Little Rock, the event also highlights its status as a Purple Heart University, a designation that honors veterans who were wounded in combat while serving their country and are now pursuing education or careers at the institution.

The duty of service and risk

Phillips, who has a deep personal connection to military service, emphasized that the responsibility of service involves an active duty to improve the world. He said that the courage required to do what is right often involves personal risk.

“Service is an honor, but carries with it a duty to make things better, and standing up for what’s right sometimes requires risk,” Phillips said.

His perspective is shaped by a life intertwined with the armed forces. Phillips enlisted in the United States Army in 1991 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant of infantry in 2003. His family history includes a father who joined the Army in 1959, a stepfather who served as one of the Tuskegee Airmen, a wife and brother who are veterans, and a son currently serving in the Arkansas Air National Guard.

Reflecting on his time serving during the Iraq War, Phillips shared a philosophy of intentional kindness that he maintained during patrols. He said that his unit made a point to do something good for others because of a shared common humanity, a sentiment he believes is increasingly vital given that a quarter of the globe currently faces conflict.

Student perspectives on community involvement

The ceremony was attended by several student veterans who echoed the call for civic engagement. Corey Jewell, a biology student and sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, emphasized the necessity of remembering the sacrifices made by those in uniform.

“Veterans Day is important for our country,” Jewell said. “We need to remember veterans and their sacrifice.”

Jewell, who has served in the military for more than five years, intends to pursue medical school to continue his service to fellow citizens. He said that the academic environment at UA Little Rock has supported his dual roles as a student and a professional at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

He credited the faculty for their flexibility regarding his military and work commitments, as well as the Military Student Success Center for providing efficient support to the more than 700 active-duty members, reservists, and veterans the center serves.

Carlos Chavarria, a corporal in the Marine Corps Reserve studying computer engineering, also spoke to the importance of collective responsibility.

“Doing your part is a great way to show support for veterans and fellow citizens,” Chavarria said.

A legacy of leadership and recognition

Phillips’ career has spanned various leadership levels, from infantry platoon leader to commander of the 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment. His service has been recognized with several high-level decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

As a member of multiple military associations, including the Enlisted Association of the Arkansas National Guard and the Army War College Alumni Association, Phillips said veterans must continue working to uphold their ideals. He suggested that while the ceremony is a time for appreciation, the work of building a better community remains unfinished.

“People are united by courage and can change history,” Phillips said.

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