Major Billy H. Sorrells was commissioned as a Signal Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School Class #4-65 in April of 1965. His first duty assignment was as Motor Officer, 518th Signal Company, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. | His subsequent duty assignments include: Executive Officer, 518th Signal Company, Republic of Vietnam; Division Electronic Maintenance Officer, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Platoon Commander, First Aviation Brigade, Republic of Vietnam; Headquarters Company Commander, First Aviation Brigade, Republic of Vietnam; Communications Officer, First Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 18th Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Manager, Simmons Army Airfield Flying Club, Aviation Battalion, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. | Major Sorrells is a graduate of the Signal Pole-Lineman Course, Radio Repairman Course, Airborne School, Signal Officer Basic Course, Fixed Wing Flight School, Signal Officer Advanced Course, Degree Completion Program, Rotary Wing Flight Transition School, and Command and General Staff Course. His civilian education includes a Bachelors Degree from Arkansas Tech University and a Masters Degree from the University of Central Arkansas. | His military awards and decorations include: the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Presidential Unit Citation, Senior Parachutist Badge, and the Army Aviation Badge. | Major Sorrells retired from active duty and from his civilian profession as owner and manager of River Valley Consulting. He served on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Criminal Detention Facilities Review Board, and also served in the following capacities: Chairman of the United Way River Valley Area Selection Committee; member of the United Way Board of Directors; Chairman of the non-profit Help Network; member of the Lions Club and recipient of Lions Club Melvin Jones Fellow Award; instrumental in the renovation of the Russellville, Arkansas, Missouri-Pacific Railroad Depot; recipient of the Key to the City of Russellville; President of River Valley Military Officers Association; Adjutant and Veteran’s Service Officer for The American Legion’s Arkansas Post #20; member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Chapter 2283; Chairman of the Pope County Election Commission; and member of the Pope County Equalization Board.