Colonel Donald Harrison Stokes Jr., United States Air Force, retired, from Hot Springs Village, enlisted in the Air Force in 1964. He served a combat tour in Saigon before being released from active duty as a Sergeant in 1968. He entered the Air Force Reserve until returning to active duty and completed officer training in 1976. Colonel Stokes retired in 2002 after more than 25 years of active federal service. His awards include the Legion of Merit, 9 Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Services Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. In retirement, he served as commander and quartermaster with the VFW, providing essential leadership for veterans and the surrounding communities. Additionally, Colonel Stokes participated in the flag education program for kindergarten through 3rd grade children at three local schools and served on the Hot Springs Village Veterans Memorial board.