Jordan Milam Chapter Presents Heroism & Life Saving Medals

Mountain Home, AR – Jordan Milam Chapter was pleased to present two medals, Heroism and Life Saving, to two deserving Baxter County Sheriff Deputies. The medal presentation took place July 23, 2026 at the Baxter County Sheriff Office in Mountain Home, AR.

On March 30, 2026, Corporal Connor Stanton responded to a residence where a victim had been shot in the abdomen and was losing a large quantity of blood. Corporal Stanton was able to tend to the victim, treating the wound, slowing the bleeding until medics could arrive. Corporal Stanton received the Life Saving medal for this act.

On May 5, 2026, Sergeant Craig Kocka, at risk to his own well being, rushed into a burning, smoke filled residence to pull an elderly woman out to safety. The elderly lady almost certainly would have perished in the smoke short of these heroic actions. Sergeant Kocka received the Heroism medal for this act.

Milam President Pat Flenniken, Vice-President Alex McGraw, Awards Committee Chair David Benedict, and member Ron Winkler were on hand for the presentation.

We were pleased to have the officer’s spouses/families as well as Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery in attendance for the presentation.

Top Picture (L to R): Jordan Milam President Pat Flenniken, Jordan Milam Vice President Alex McGraw, Sergeant Craig Kocka, Corporal Connor Stanton, Jordan Milam Awards Committee Chair David Benedict, Jordan Milam member Ron Winkler. 

Pictured (L to R):  Lieutenant Brian Davis, Sergeant Craig Kocka, Corporal Connor Stanton, Sheriff John Montgomery – all of the Baxter County Sheriff Office, Mountain Home, AR.