Rock and ROLE to Support Local Military Base
By: Josh Berry
Updated: November 11, 2012
We all likely have someone close to our hearts that has served in some capacity, but they may not be here in Central Arkansas.
So when it comes to supporting the branches of the military that call this area home, how do we do it?
One local group is working to make it a bit easier.
A civilian organization inside the Little Rock Air Force Base (LRFAB) has put a brand on the unique characteristics of that local branch of the military so that we all, whether we have a direct tie to it or not, can play a role.
On Veteran's Day, the LRAFB is no busier than any other Sunday. On this particular day however, they had two extra visitors.
"I wanted to show him the C-130," said Jeremy O'Neal as he walked his son, Christian, around the C-130 at the front of the Base.
For them there's no better place to go.
"I see it as I drive by every day."
It's the C-130 training center for the entire free world. Most agree: it's pretty special. Any military service person likely has some familiarity with this base.
"They all know Little Rock Air Force Base and they all know it by "The Rock"," explained Roger Sundermeier.
Annabelle Davis added, "LRAFB is different than any other air force base around,"
They call it "the Little Rock Difference".
Davis and Sundermeier are both members of a group called Community Council.
It's a civilian organization of about 250 plus members in a 50 mile radius all supporting the LRAFB in any way they can.
The group wanted to take the notoriety of the Base and package it into a brand.
"'Rock and Roll' is a timeless phrase," said Sundermeier
They tailored the timeless phrase of "Rock and Roll" to fit a local mold. They say the "Rock" signifies the world-known base. They substituted "Roll" with the acronym, "R-O-L-E".
It stands for Responsiveness, One-team, Leading and Excellence. Each of these touch on a different aspect of local community involvement for folks all around Central Arkansas.
It's a merchandise line still in the works. They've got help at the Capitol, writing legislation to get a license plate with the "Rock and ROLE" brand and logo on it.
Proceeds help a charity on base going towards military families.
They say we all have a unique responsibility to the Air Force Base. "We all intertwine as a community and a base as one team," Davis said.
With this new program, even those that may not play a direct role like O'Neal, who has never served in the military, can do something to support.
For more information and to be directed to their Facebook Page, click here.







