First Sergeant Rush Edward Nash Jr., from Jonesboro, served
in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam and Desert Storm conflicts. His awards
include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army
Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. Nash is a two-time combat
veteran who served in Vietnam while he was in the Air Force and later in Desert
Storm while in the Army. He sustained injuries in a helicopter crash that led
to his retirement.
Nash has actively sought opportunities to assist veterans
throughout northeast Arkansas. He volunteers to provide support for veterans
from his own resources and has supported various veterans' organizations. Nash
agreed to serve on the committee to develop the Veteran's Court in the Second
Judicial District and later as the volunteer coordinator for mentors. He
recruited veterans, attended national training at his own expense, and
collaborated with the court weekly to assist veterans.
As part of his commitment to the Disabled American Veterans,
Nash has sought funding to support the hospice program in northeast Arkansas.
This funding has provided statues appropriate to a veteran's service, along
with certificates presented to the veterans and their families. The program has
been extended to include veterans under home hospice care.
In August 2018, for instance, Nash recruited a group of
volunteers to clean up an overgrown yard and perform home repairs for the widow
of a Vietnam veteran who died from cancer due to Agent Orange exposure. The
yard had become so overgrown that an individual hid in the bushes and attempted
to break into her home. Fortunately, the door was locked at the time.
Nash has also encouraged the Masonic Lodge to support local
veterans by volunteering and supporting a veteran's day room at Arkansas State
University, providing monthly coffee service and snacks.