Charlie Kinslow, center, with ROTC cadets from past ROTC luncheon
Charlie Kinslow, University of Arkansas alum, hosted the first “Cokes and Cookies” event for the Veterans Resource and Information Center. This event was designed to honor current and former Veterans and welcome them back to campus. Veterans were invited to stop by and grab a coke and cookie to kick off the semester.
Student veterans holds a special spot in Charlie Kinslow’s heart. He started a tradition of taking graduating ROTC cadets out for lunch at his undergraduate alma mater. He eventually brought his traditional ROTC luncheon to the University of Arkansas. Due to Covid-19, the annual luncheon was canceled this year. However, Kinslow still wanted to be able to welcome and embrace student Veterans.
This led to an event where students could drop in and out and follow Covid guidelines. Student veterans were offered various soft drinks and cookies to select. They were encouraged to take a break in between classes and mingle with other student veterans. Kinslow would eventually like to return to the annual luncheon, but feels this is still a wonderful way to show his appreciation to those who are currently or have served their country.
James Martin
“I am very grateful for the work that VRIC does on campus and the supporters that help make this happen.” said James Martin. Martin recently just moved back to Northwest Arkansas from a deployment and VRIC is helping him get ready for graduate school. “It is nice to be able to mingle with current and former veterans but, it also nice to have a place specifically designed to help us out with our unique circumstances.”
Kinslow is always looking for ways to give back to our armed forces. He considers projects as such his “Labor of Love.” He is the son of a World War II Veteran and he served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy during Vietnam. After his service in the military, he graduated with a Master of Arts from the University of Arkansas.
Kinslow praises the work that Erika Gamboa and interim chancellor Charles Robinson has done with the Veteran’s Resources and Information Center. The center serves as the central point of contact for prospective or current University of Arkansas military-affiliated students needing assistance with the admissions process, applying for military educational benefits and scholarships, and referrals to various academic departments around campus. For more information about veterans’ programs on campus please contact Erika Gamboa at 479-575-8742.