Hometown Hero will honor veterans and support the Cabot JROTC during home football and basketball games.

First Arkansas Bank and Trust will be collaborating, along with the Cabot Panther Foundation, on this heartwarming program. 

2020 Honorees

MSgt Anthony Ocampo

Joined the USAF in March of 1985 as a Communication/Navigation Systems Specialist (Comm
Nav’er). Following Tech school, he reported to Zaragosa Air Base, Spain, in March of 1986. In
1988, A1C Ocampo was stationed at LRAFB where he was assigned to 314 AMS and got
familiar with the C-130 Aircraft. He has deployed to many locations around the world such as
Germany, England, and the Middle East. He also deployed in support of Desert Shield/Storm.
Upon his return he was assigned to the 61st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. In 1999, SSgt
Ocampo moved to Keesler AFB, MS to do flight testing on the C130-J. After gaining the
knowledge to maintain it, TSgt Ocampo was selected to stand up the first active duty C130-J
at LRAFB with the 314 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. In 2009, MSgt Ocampo deployed to
Afghanistan for his last temporary duty assignment. He retired in February of 2011.

MSgt Ocampo is married to Ann Ocampo. He is the proud father of 3 panthers: Ariana (2007),
Wesley (2019), and Jacob (2022). He has two “grand-panthers”: Gavin (2028) and Victoria
(2038).

MSgt John Barron

MSgt Barron joined the USAF in October of 1987 as an Aircraft Mechanic.

His first duty station was at Travis AFB, California. In 1993, his family was stationed at Elmendorf AFB,
Alaska. In 1997, John and his family was stationed at LFAFB (known as The Rock) where he was assigned
to the 314 MXG. Over 23 years of service John has been on several tours for Operation Just Cause,
Operation Deep Freeze, Operation Restore Hope, and the Gulf War along with an enormous amount of
TDY’s.

John retired from the USAF in 2010 and has chosen to reside in Cabot.

John is married to Julie Barron. He is the proud father of Elisha Barron-Knight who graduated from Cabot
in 2007 and Calip Barron who graduated in 2011.

SSgt Joseph Knouse

Joined the USAF in January of 1999 as a Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory Craftsman.

Following Tech school, he reported to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan in November of 1999 until 2002.

He then was stationed at Charleston Air Force Base in Charleston, South Carolina (2002-2006),
Misawa Air Base in Misawa, Japan (2006-2009), and Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville, Arkansas
(2009-2013). During his time in the Air Force he also did a Manning Assist Duty at Andrews Air Force
Base in Washington, DC and a TDY to Scotland. He received several Achievement and Accommodation
medals. He was Wing NCO of the Year 2 years, Technician of the Quarter, and received the Leo Marquez
award. He separated from the Air Force in 2013, with 14 years of service.

Joseph is married to Kerina Knouse. They are the proud parents of 3 Panthers: Elijah (2021), Kady
(2023), and Farrah (2031).

Please contact Panther Foundation at director@cabotpantherfoundation.org or call 501-843-3363 x1059 for more information.