Ira Eaker Chapter

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Photos

March Meeting, 5 March 2022, featured Speaker Rob Ator



Program Director Bill Kehler presented a souvenir Chapter Mug (made in USA) to Rob Ator with Chairman Bob Davis looking on.


Our speaker, Rob Ator, Colonel, USAF, retired, described the Distribution of the Covid virus Vaccine ln Arkansas and the Huge Development of Defense Mission in Ft Smith, at the Chapter meeting at the Whole Hog Cafe on 5 March 2022.

Valentine's Day 2022 Celebrated at Black Bear Diner




Valentine's Dy 2022 was celebrated at the Black Bear Diner in North Little Rock by members of the Eaker Chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society. Richard Engle presented all the ladies with long stem roses The event coincided with Bob and Polly Jones wedding anniversary of 64 years. Photos were taken by Becky Hartley.

Chapter Members Attend Troop Carrier/Tactical Airlift Assn. Convention




Bob Davis, Ralph Moore, Pete Jackson, D. K. Moody, Ralph Bemis, Ken Zellmer, Robert Frank and Bill Kehler attended the 15th Anniversary Reunion of the Troop Carrier/Tactical Airlift Association in San Antonio 13-17 October, 2021.

Chapter Celebrates Good Weather With Picnic at Burns Park




Ladies of the Wuilts of Honor Foundation presented chapter member Mitch Mitchell with a quilt honoring his years of service during the program. Among the many members and guests attending were Major Chris Richardson of LRAFB's 61st Airlift Squadron, who was awarded his DFC just five days ago, and George Mobbs (101), a WWII veteran who drove himself to the event.

Honoring 101st Birthday, George Mobbs Is Presented New Edition of Chapter Directory



Bob Davis, Pat Barnard, Rebecca Hartley and Bill Kehler visited George Mobbs for his early Birthday to celebrate his 101 years on March 23. He was given a Birthday Card signed by most members at a recent meeting and was presented with the new pictorial Membership Directory. The young lady on his left in the photo is his wife Gwen (94). Mr. Mobbs is very active and appeared to enjoy the gathering, as did those members who attended.

Ira Eaker Chapter Participates in 2020 Sherwood Veterans Day Parade




Wilmer Plate (1919-2019) Is Interred at Arlington National Cemetery




Wilmer Plate, member of the Ira Eaker Chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society, was recently interred with honors at the Arlington National Cemetery. Funeral Service was held January 12, 2019 at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 2413 Northeastern Ave, Jacksonville, Ark. 72076.

A Big Day -- Dec. 7, 2019: Breakfast Meeting Followed By A Parade




Our regular breakfast meeting featured a visit by Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin and his son. In his address, he pointed out the potential conflicts faced by our country from the threats posed by our adversaries, China and Russia. Following the meeting, a number of the the chapter members gathered in Sherwood to participate in their annual Christmas parade.

Santa Makes Appearance at Christmas Luncheon


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In a surprise appearance, Santa distributed a gift package to all those who attended our Christmas Luncheon. A large group gathered at the Olive Garden on December 3, 2019 to enjoy good food, fellowship and the Christmas spirit. Members each brought a toy to be presented to patients at the Arkansas Children's Hospital..

Chapter Members Parade in the 2019 Sherwood Veterans Day Parade



Photos furnished by Becky Hartley


Lorris G. Cockerham Receives Quilt of Valor at October 2019 Chapter Picnic Meeting


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Highlight of the picnic on 5 October 2019 was the presentation of a Quilt of Valor to chapter member Lorris G. Cockerham by Quilt of Valor Foundation representative Charlie Nash. Several members of his family and friends were among the guests at the picnic at the North Little Rock Airport. Other activities included in the program was a report by Col. Bill Kehler on the recent reunion of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society held at the National Museum of the Air Force in Fairborn, Ohio, which was attended by several members of the chapter. An enjoyable period of socializing followed the serving of a delicious meal of spaghetti, salad, and fabulous desserts. More pictures of the event are in this video.



Quilt of Valor Presented to John H. ("Hank") Wehe


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A Quilt of Valor was presented to "Hank" Wehe of the Eaker Chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society by Charlie Nash of the Quilt of Valor Foundation at the chapter meeting on 1 June 2019. Those in attendance included several of Hank's family members and friends. See more photos of the event in this video.



2019 Spring Picnic Held at North Little Rock Airport on 4 May 2019


Guest speaker at the Spring Picnic was Colonel Gerald A. Donohue, Commander of the 19th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base. He outlined the activities and achievements of the airmen assigned to the "Home of the C-130 Combat Airlift", at which he has been commander since 2017. Several other guests joined the group, including legislators, representatives of the Arkansas National Guard, Arkansas Veterans Affairs, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Quilt of Valor Foundation and "Battlin' Betties". Photos of those who attended are included in this video.



Senator Boozman Meets With Ira Eaker Chapter


Senator John Boozman met with the Ira Eaker Chapter, DFCS, at its breakfast meeting on 1 Dec 2018 at the Whole Hog Café in Little Rock. He updated the group on recent congressional activities. Col. Anita Deason of his staff, a recent inductee to the Arkansas Military Veterans Hall of Fame, also addressed the group.



Wilmer Plate Celebrates 99th Birthday


Wilmer Plate (seated, center) celebrated his 99th birthday at the Southern Oaks Country Club, Jacksonville AR on Saturday, June 9, 2018. A large group of friends joined him, including this group from the Eaker DFC Society Chapter.

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Chapter Meets for Annual Picnic on May 5, 2018


Jon Swanson, Executive Director of Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services, Little Rock, addressed the Chapter at its annual picnic at the North Little Rock Airport on May 5, 2018. A delicious picnic was enjoyed by the group during this enjoyable gathering. Photos of those who attended are included in this video.



Quilt of Valor Presented to Larry Brown

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A Quilt of Valor was presented to Larry Brown of the Eaker Chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society 7 April 2018 by Tammy Farrar and Stormy Holden of the Quilt of Valor Foundation at the Veterans Home at Fort Roots. Those in attendance were Larry’s wife Karilyn, members from Eaker Chapter DFC Society and the VFW State Commander. See more photos in this video below.

Quilt of Valor Presented to Wilmer Plate

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A Quilt of Valor was presented to WWII veteran Wilmer Plate by the Quilt of Valor Foundation at the March 2018 meeting of the Eaker Cahapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society. Plate was a B-24 pilot during WWII. See more photos in this video below.
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Colonel Christopher L. Bennett Visits Eaker DFC Group

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Colonel Chirstopher L. Bennett, Vice Commander, 19th Airlift Wing, addressed the Ira Eaker Chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society at the regular meeting on September 10, 2016 at the Whole Hog Cafe in Little Rock. He commented on his previous assignment on the Air Force Decorations Board and the significance of awards such as the Distinguished Flying Cross. Colonel Bennett also provided an update on activities at Little Rock Air Force Base, such as repair of the runway and the upcoming Military Expo. The photo on the right shows President Bob Davis presenting a DFC mug to Colonel Bennett as a memento for his presentation to the group.


Ira Eaker's Gr-Grandniece Addresses the Chapter

Katie Davis Bob Davis and Katie Davis


Katie Davis, Saline County Veterans Service Officer, addressed the Ira Eaker Chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society at our regular meeting on March 5, 2016 at the Whole Hog Cafe in Little Rock. She outlined several benefits available to veterans and how to navigate the process of submitting claims for services. Katie Davis, a veteran herself, is the great grandniece of General Ira C. Eaker for whom the Chapter is named. In the photo on the right, President Bob Davis presents a DFC mug to Katie as a memento for her presentation.


Riverfest, May 2015

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Pictured are chapter members who volunteered their services at Riverfest 2015, On the left are Ralph Bemis, Ken Zellmer, Gary George. Pictured on the right are Parnell Fisher and Carl Hudson.

Annual Picnic, 2 May 2015



10th Anniversary of Chapter



New Associate Member

Cody Kingsbury

Cody Kingsbury, age 13, receiving Associate membership. Cody is the grandson of Gary George.


To see some other historic pictures of past events, just click on these links:

2014 Photos


Annual Picnic, 3 May 2003

Chapter members are encouraged to submit photos to be included on this page.

This site updated October 20, 2021