A former Arkansan who had been a strong voice for new security policy in the evolving world died in a recent plane crash. Shannon Beebe, an Army lieutenant colonel, backcountry airplane pilot and 1987 graduate of Lake Hamilton High School in Hot Springs, died when a single-engine plane he was flying crashed recently in Virginia, according to a story last week in the Washington Post. A West Point grad who served in the Balkans, in Iraq and as an assistant Army attache in Angola, Beebe was a daredevil pilot who logged hundreds hours of flying in the wilds of Africa and Alaska and the co-author of a book called “The Ultimate Weapon Is No Weapon” (2010, Public Affairs) that, according to the Post, argued that “traditional armies are no longer sufficient to stabilize conflict zones, and U.S. military forces should collaborate more with non-governmental organizations to protect civilians and communities rather than focusing on destroying enemies.” The funeral will be Aug. 20 at Centerfork Missionary Baptist Church in Hot Springs.

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article Times Blues Bus rides again Next article The Tea Party: Is the fun over?