Bobby Brummitt Porter, a Walnut Ridge native, joined the Arkansas National Guard at 17 after graduating from Arkansas State University as an ROTC distinguished military graduate. Commissioned as a second lieutenant, he completed airborne and jumpmaster schools, making over 100 military jumps. Porter held leadership roles from rifle platoon leader to commanding general of the 82nd Airborne Division.

He served two combat tours in Vietnam (1969-71), sustaining wounds from a landmine. His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal for valor (two awards), Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Achievement Medal (two awards), Air Medal (25 awards), Berlin Army Occupation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Master Parachutist Badge.

At 51, as commander of the 82nd, he made a parachute jump in Turkey, during which he was rendered unconscious by a chute connector. He sustained neurological injuries and was medically discharged in 1987. He was later inducted into the Arkansas State University ROTC Hall of Honor.