Dr. Dalton Harold Barnes, deceased, Alma.  His story is simply amazing.  He worked tirelessly to put soldiers lives back together.  He counseled hundreds going through difficult times.  He was a beloved chaplain. His most heart breaking story was a stark reminder of how our country felt about its veterans then and how we feel as a nation today.  As he said his goodbyes to his men, and made his final trek back to America, he was asked to change from his uniform to civilian clothes before he arrived at San Francisco airport so it would not offend people.  He left the scene in tears and never got over that moment.  

 

Not only did he serve in the Army but also served with the Air Force from 1949-1953.  Dr. Barnes received the Bronze Star in 1970 and retired from active duty in 1975, when he became a chaplain for the Oklahoma City Police Department.  His service there was highly decorated.  He retired from that duty and moved back to Alma, Arkansas.  He became a full-time counselor for the First Baptise Church.  After helping create the Home of Hope, a residential care and counseling center and later retired for a third time.

 

Dr. Barnes was not done yet, even though he was now in his eighties he became a volunteer for the Alma Boys and Girls club.  Many times, he used his own money to assist a child in need.  He was a patriot and never stopped assisting in the care of returning veterans.