New VRIC Advisory Board Member Sponsors ROTC Cadet Luncheon

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Charlie Kinslow, center in blue shirt, with cadets and staff from the University of Arkansas

Charlie Kinslow, University of Arkansas alumnus and the newest member of the Veterans Resource and Information Center Advisory Board, hosted the first annual luncheon for graduating ROTC cadets who were commissioned as military officers. Cadets from both the Air Force and Army attended the event along with the ROTC Cadre. Vice Provost for Student Affairs Danny Pugh served as the opening speaker during the luncheon. 

Kinslow started the tradition of taking graduating ROTC cadets out for lunch at his undergraduate alma mater, Rhodes College in 2009 while serving as president of the Alumni Board. After his term on that board ended, Kinslow looked to the University of Arkansas and brought his traditional ROTC luncheon here.

Graduating ROTC cadets who are commissioning are allowed to pick the restaurant they want to have lunch at and then order whatever they want off the menu. Kinslow started the tradition of buying lunch after he would frequently pay for meals for first responders who he would see out in public. He has since continued the tradition by honoring those who are currently or have served their country.

“The cadre and cadets for the University of Arkansas Army ROTC Department thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality and wisdom offered by Mr. Kinslow’s luncheon,” said Major Stringer, instructor and training officer for Army ROTC. “It not only enabled cadets to mingle with current and former veterans but, it set conditions for these young men and women to better understand the past, present and the administration that is entrusted with protecting their future.”

Kinslow is a native of El Dorado, Arkansas, and the son of a World War II Veteran. He served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy after receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree. After his service in the military he graduated with a Master of Arts from the University of Arkansas. 

Kinslow has agreed to serve on the Veterans Resource and Information Center Advisory Board and serve as a mentor to student veterans. He is an A-plus Lifetime Alumni Member and a member of the Chancellor’s Society. For more information about veterans programs on campus please contact Erika Gamboa at 479-575-8742.