PEA RIDGE — Sgt. First Class Michael E. Watkins, of Pea Ridge,

celebrated 33 years of service in the Arkansas

Army National Guard May 5. Watkins served with

the Charlie Battery 142nd Field Artillery Brigade

of Rogers for 30 years. He is now with the Joint

Force, headquartered at Camp Robertson, Little

Rock, for the last three years. Watkins was in

Dessert Storm, received the Bronze Star, ARCOM

Awards, Army service ribbons, 41 awards for

different accomplishments, humanitarian awards

and was inducted into the Honorable Order of

Saint Barbara, which recognizes individuals

who have demonstrated the highest standards

of integrity and moral character, displayed an

outstanding degree of competence and served

the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery Branch with

selflessness. Watkins is the husband of Carol

June Watkins. They have five children and 14

grandchildren.

Community, Pages 11 on 05/11/2011