Speeches spotlight notables from state

U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., gave four consecutive speeches on the House floor Wednesday. Three paid tribute to outstanding Arkansans; the fourth highlighted human-rights abuses in Venezuela.

The congressman from Little Rock shared the life story of retired Lt. Col. Wilmer Plate, who died on Jan. 1, 2019, just a few months short of his 100th birthday.

A 30-year veteran of the military, Plate was an Army Air Corps pilot during World War II. After the war, he reenlisted, serving — among other places — in Germany,

Canada and California.

After retirement, he penned his memoir.

In 2016, Plate was awarded the French Legion of Honor medal.

“Will was a true American patriot, one of which all Americans and Arkansans can admire,” Hill said.

Hill also eulogized Forrest L. Wood, the founder of Ranger Boats, calling him “one of Arkansas’ great outdoorsmen.”

The Flippin native, who died last month at age 87, “was considered a pioneer in the fishing industry and the father of the modern bass boat,” Hill noted.

Ranger Boats, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018, is one of the area’s major employers and enjoys a worldwide reputation.

Wood was also a public servant, Hill noted.

“As a longtime Arkansas Game and Fish commissioner, he was a strong conservationist and devoted to Arkansas,” the lawmaker said.

In a third speech, Hill congratulated retired Maj. Gen. Ronald S. Chastain for being appointed as a civilian aide to the secretary of the Army.

The Paris native was one of eight people given the honor. His investiture ceremony was Jan. 14 at the Pentagon.

Chastain spent more than 36 years in the Army National Guard and is former Arkansas National Guard adjutant general.

He also commanded the 25th Rear Area Operations Center in Desert Storm and the 39th Brigade Combat Team in Operation Iraqi Freedom II, according to an article by Army Public Affairs.