Staples ends long career, retires from National Gaurd

The life of a soldier is certainly not one of leisure. The sacrifices and responsibilities which go along with defending America and its citizens are among the most vital and respected roles a person can have. Sergeant Major Frank Staples of Piggott knows this all too well, having served in the Arkansas Army National Guard for the last 36 years, the last 29 years serving on active duty.

After a lengthy military career which includes wartime service during conflicts with Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, Staples will be retiring Feb. 1.

"I just felt like it was time for me to spend more time with my family," Staples said. "During my time with the National Guard, I've had to be away from them a lot. Now, I'm looking forward to slowing down a bit and enjoying the little things which really make life special."

Staples began his military career in 1971, during the Vietnam conflict. He was attending college at Arkansas State University.

"I figured once I graduated college, I'd be drafted anyway. I thought I'd go ahead and get a jump on it and finish my education in the process."

During his first year in the Guard, Staples received some quality veteran leadership.

"When I first got into the Guard, I had some guys who steered me the right way," Staples said. "First Sergeant Willard Hughes, Sergeant Major Bill Hogue and Colonel Royce Williams really took me under their wing and helped me realize the opportunities the National Guard offered a young man. They were from Piggott, too, and wanted to see me do well for myself."

Staples spent 18 years with the Piggott unit, at that time Detachment 1 Company A 2nd Battalion 153rd Infantry. When his mentor First Sergeant Hughes retired in 1980, Staples began working at the Piggott Armory full-time.

Staples left the Piggott Armory in 1988, transferring to Jonesboro as a member of the 875th Engineering Battalion in order to further his career and rise in rank. During his time with the 875th, Staples was promoted to Sergeant First Class.

"I worked to remain at the top of the promotion list," Staples said. "As part of that, I had to be willing to transfer to other areas."

When he moved to the state headquarters in Little Rock in February 2001, Staples earned another promotion, rising to Master Sergeant. He continued to perform his duties and in five years time, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major, the highest rank an enlisted soldier can receive. Staples' dedication was shown during his time in Little Rock, as he was required to literally move there as part of his active duty service. He was able to return home to Piggott on the weekends.

Achieving his career goal of reaching Sergeant Major and wanting to spend more time with his wife, Donna, their adult children Stephanie Jett and Adam and seven grandchildren, Staples decided to leave the National Guard.

"I feel like I've accomplished everything I've set out to do," Staples said. "I've been very fortunate throughout my military career. I was able to stay at or near the top of the promotion list. I received my college education. I was able to serve my country while providing a good life for myself and my family.

"Service members give up a lot to do what they do. Their family members give up just as much. I haven't been there for beauty pageants, ballgames and plays. I think the sacrifices my family has made were at least every bit as important as anything I've done."

Staples has received numerous awards and honors during his 36 years in the National Guard. Some of his most memorable accomplishments include two Military Service Medals, two Army Achievement Medals and five Army Commendation Medals. He also served on a national committee which worked to change the disparity between the benefits offered to members of the Army National Guard and their active duty counterparts. The group has been instrumental in bringing the numerous differences between the offered programs to light. Now, the process to improve the current programs is underway thanks in part to the effort of Staples and the committee on which he served.

Staples says he has no immediate plans for the future. He's considering contacting the Office of Veterans Affairs about inquiring into a possible position where he can continue to be of aid to veterans. However, at the moment, Staples says he's going to enjoy re-connecting with family and friends.