Don Cleek in uniform at Baghdad, Iraq. | Courtesy photo
Local U.S. veteran and career lawman Don Cleek will be the guest speaker at the 2026 Memorial Day ceremony, held Monday, May 25, at the courthouse gazebo located on the southeast corner of the Clark County Courthouse, 419 Clay St.
The ceremony will begin with the 11 o’clock bell tone. In the event of inclement weather the program will move to the Armory building.
Cleek is a four-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, joining the service in 1983. After infantry training at Camp LeJeune, he was stationed at Marine Barracks Guam, then was stationed at Camp Pendleton with the 1st Battalion 9th Marines. During his time with the battalion, Cleek went on a WEST-PAC cruise on the USS Duluth with the 13th Marine Amphibious Unit, training in Philippines, Okinawa, South Korea, and Australia.
Cleek was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1988. During his service he received Expert Rifleman Badge, Expert Pistol Badge, Marksmanship Instructor, Overseas Service Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and a Navy Achievement Medal. Cleek later served seven years in the Arkansas Army National Guard with Alpha Company 1st Battalion 153rd Infantry, based in Arkadelphia. After receiving several months of training at Fort Hood and Fort Polk, Cleek was deployed to Iraq from April 2004 to April 2005. During his time in the National Guard, Cleek was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal, among other rewards and ribbons.
In addition to his military background, Cleek served 34 years as a police officer with the Siloam Springs Police Department and the Arkadelphia Police Department, where he retired in 2025 as lieutenant.
Rev. Robert Davis will emcee the event. JROTC will post the colors. Meldine Ivory will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Karen Ware will sing the National Anthem. Rev. Louis Craig will deliver the Roll Call of local veterans who have died in the past year. Rev. Davis, along with Clark County Judge Troy Tucker, will post the Memorial Wreath.
The community is encouraged to attend.
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