A friend to veterans

Fidelity is an admirable trait.
Loyalty - to friends, to organizations, to one’s employer, to civic or charitable causes - is important, especially in a time when so many people change course on a whim.
Individuals who demonstrate a stick-to-it attitude, even in the face of enormous challenges, are the ones most likely to succeed in any endeavor they choose.
Santa Claus respects leaders who are tenacious and optimistic and never give up on their dreams. He has found that these determined personages have a clear vision of what needs to be accomplished and can usually enlist a number of other resourceful supporters who will see the mission through to its conclusion.
Santa understands that one needn’t come from a big city to have big ideas. He believes close-knit communities such as Hot Springs produce men and women whose values, beliefs and standards give them the courage and fortitude to take on plans and projects that many would not even think of trying.
Because Operation Christmas 2009 is on such a grand scale, Mr. Claus needs a steady and experienced aide-de-camp. After a personnel search and consultation with North Pole executives, Santa has selected MORRIS CASH, chairman of the Veterans Memorial of Garland County, for special duty this holiday season.
Morris was graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1956 and has an associate degree as an engineering technician from the U.S. Air Force Drafting School. He also completed a computer aided drafting training course from Metropolitan Vocational-Technical School in Little Rock.
In 1957, he began his professional career as chief draftsman with what was then Dierks Forest Inc. He then worked as manager of the drafting department for WEYCO in Hot Springs and since 1986, has been an architectural designer at the local Mid-South Engineering Co.
Early on, Morris was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and the Civil Air Patrol. A strong desire to serve others and his country carried over to his time with the United States Air Force and 21 years in the Arkansas Air National Guard 223rd Communications Squadron.
Morris’ love of community is evidenced by his more than 50 years as an active member of the Hot Springs Lions Club. Not only does he have a 44-year perfect attendance record, but he is now serving his fifth term as club president. In addition, he has held several other organization offices and has been on various state and district committees. Morris is also a Melvin Jones Fellow in Lions Clubs International.
His patriotic fervor is shown through his longtime affiliation with the Lewis E. Lyle Chapter of the Air Force Association, serving as unit president seven times and now as secretary and always contributing in whatever way possible.
Close friend Dick Holden, who has known Morris since they were in junior high school, recently said of him, “I remember Morris as being friendly and having many friends. He has always been compassionate and caring, which is why he has retained so many friendships over the years. He continues to stay in touch with many of our classmates around the country.”
Citing Morris’ dogged determination to establish the Veterans Memorial of Garland County, Holden added, “He credits Bill Sexton for having the same idea as he for a way to honor all veterans.
“Through nine years of raising funds and creating public awareness in the memorial, Morris was the engine that pushed and pulled committee members. He is a man of faith and starts our meetings with a prayer, invoking God’s provision and guidance.”
In appreciation for their hard work and dedication to the project, Morris gave each committee member memento desk nameplates, made of engraved brass attached to wood. The wood came from the crates in which the granite for the memorial was shipped - all the way from India.
Morris’ generosity extends to using his skills as a master craftsman - he has drawn more than 600 house plans for friends - customizing them to their specific likes and needs.
At a time when area residents are especially aware of the sacrifices of America’s and Arkansas’ men and women in the military, this man has given us a fitting tribute to their courage.
“We salute you, Morris, and send season’s greetings to you and your daughter, Tracy, along with our best wishes for the coming year.”