In 1965 Archibald Douglas (Tiger) Odom Jr. enlisted into the Army. This took place approximately one year after his father and his hero, Archibald Douglas Odom, Sr. died in a fatal car accident on 1-30 here in Central Arkansas. Doug's father had been a bomber pilot, flying B-17's in 8^thAir Force in Europe and later, B-26's in the Pacific. He finished his career as the Base Commander for what we now know as Little Rock AFB. Doug was determined to follow in his father's footsteps.

In 1965 Doug Odom joined the Army and went to Vietnam. He distinguished himself from the start and became one of the Army's elite-a Ranger. He landed in Vietnam after training, and from 1965-1972 he displayed the sort of selflessleadership, courage, and dedication that we hear about in books and movies. It was here that he earned his nickname, "Tiger," based upon the Army's Re-con Team of which he was the leader.Among the many citations and medals awarded to him during his career were the Silver Star, 5 Bronze Star Service Medals, 2 Purple Hearts, 2 Air Medals, and 2 Army Commendation medals with a "V." The list goes on and on. The citationsthat accompany these medals are consistently full of remarks like: "unhesitatingly exposedhimself to hostilefire," "braved heavy hostile fire toreturn,""even though wounded, would not leave his men," "would not be evacuated until his men were all accounted for," and "completedisregardfor personal safety." He kept volunteering to go back to the jungle, to his men, for years-both as an enlisted soldier, and later, through a direct commission, as a Lieutenant. Finally, in 1972, he was persuaded to finish college through the Army's Boot Strap program,and returned statesideto become an Army Ranger Instructor. He finished his career as his fatherhad, here in Arkansas as a Commander, in 1993.

Doug "Tiger" Odom could have rested on his laurels with his vast array ofdistinguished medals and accomplishments, but that's not who he is or what he's about. He continues to serve his country and his community in many ways including becoming a participating and/or active member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (Post 2259 Conway),theArkansas Veterans Coalition, Combat Veterans (CVA),and the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR). He also volunteers to ride his motorcycle and donate his time and energy for any organization, or event that might help a veteran or a child of Arkansas including visiting veterans at the Central Arkansas Veterans Hospital in Little Rock and North Little Rock, as well as other Veterans Homes around the state,assists in raising money and rides for the Special Olympics ride in May,Arkansas Bikers for Children's event in September, and the Toys for Tots ride in December.