Lloyd W. “Fig” Newton  is linked to Fort Smith’s military future. A member of the 2005 Base Closure and Realignment Commission, this retired Air Force General was instrumental in awarding the Arkansas Air National Guard’s 188th Fighter Wing with A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthogs.”

Gen. Newton made Air Force history in the late 1970s, becoming the first African-American member of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

Newton is believed to be in line for an Obama appointment.

“So what,” you say? Check back soon.