Arkansas Guard Promotes First Female Minority Colonels

Arkansas Guard Promotes First Female Minority Colonels

NORTH LITTLE ROCK — Thursday, the Arkansas National Guard will be promoting one of its own. This isn't just any promotion however, Army Lieutenant Colonel Erica Ingram will be the first female African American colonel in the Arkansas National Guard. Along with Lt. Col. Ingram, the Arkansas National Guard recently promoted the first Hispanic female colonel and Native American female colonel. Both are in the Air National Guard. These minority female, high ranking officers, say it’s like a sisterhood. On Thursday, Lt. Col. Ingram will be promoted to colonel. “Incredible, humbled and appreciative because I didn't get here by myself. I get really emotional,” she says. “I’d like to think that I’m just the first that happened to have had the opportunities and the jobs that prepare me to compete at this level.' Earlier this year, Tina Lipscomb was promoted to become the first female Hispanic Arkansas Air National Guard colonel. In 2012, Mary Gardner was promoted as the first Arkansas Air National Guard female Native American colonel. It’s a military honor, and they say, also a sisterhood. “It’s more being a support system for each other,” said Lt. Col. Ingram. “Working together and seeing the results is amazing,” said Col. Tina Lipscomb. Though it might go down in history, they say they have accomplished a lot serving their country, regardless of being a female minority. “Though I am the first, and that’s quite noticeable, I want people to also understand that I’ve earned it and I have achieved certain milestones in order to become the first,” Lt. Col. Ingram said.

Police Name Suspect in Triple Homicide

LITTLE ROCK – A local man has been identified as a suspect in a triple murder from last month. The Little Rock Police Department (LRPD) says Joshua Milik Williams, 21, of Little Rock is wanted for three counts of Murder, 1st Degree and also Battery, 1st Degree in the Nov. 16 triple homicide at 14th & Peyton streets. He is considered armed and dangerous. Williams may have left the Little Rock area, and police advise if you come in contact with Williams to call Little Rock Police Department homicide detectives at (501) 371-4660.