VHLC Dedication

SCM Stanley R. Arnold, Jr. & Renate K. Arnold

CSM Stanley R. Arnold, Jr. & Renate K. Arnold

Veterans Heritage Learning Center

Proudly Dedicated - May 30, 2019 

Command Sergeant Major Stanley “Stan” Arnold, raised in Bolton, Massachusetts, enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 17 as an E-1 Private in September of 1959. One of his earliest military assignments was to Germany where, on April 24, 1963, in Neckarsulm, Germany, he married Renate (Kieber) Arnold. 

CSM Arnold was a proud member of "The Big Red One," the 1st Infantry Division, and, in his early days in the military, worked on the Redstone Rocket, a derivation of which carried the first Americans into space. During his 24 years in the Army, he received numerous awards, commendations, and citations, including the Bronze Star Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster) for heroic achievement in a combat zone during the Vietnam War. His final assignment was as the Senior Army Advisor, Army National Guard (SRAAG) to the NH Army National Guard. CSM Arnold retired from active military service in 1983, having achieved the E-9 rank of Command Sergeant Major, the highest enlisted rank in the Army. 

Moving into his civilian career, Stan joined the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration in 1983 as an auditor. Rising through various positions, he was appointed DRA Commissioner in 1988 and served 14 years as Commissioner, providing valuable non-partisan advice to four Governors of both political parties. For the final phase of his career, Stan was a Senior Tax Policy Advisor at the Rath, Young, and Pignatelli, P.C. law firm from January 2003 until December 2014, where he provided valuable client service and enjoyed close relationships with his treasured colleagues.

Stan had a lifelong devotion not only to furthering his education but also to encouraging the educational and professional development of others. Pursuing education at night through the benefits provided by the United States Government

through the G.I. Bill, Stan obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree from Cameron University in 1975 and his Master's in Business Administration from Plymouth State College in 1982. He was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New Hampshire Society of Certified Public Accountants. 

CSM Stanley R. Arnold, Jr. (Ret) was particularly proud to be involved in creating and developing the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, New Hampshire. He was also one of the five veterans who created the NH Veterans Cemetery Association (NHVCA) in September 2000 and served as Secretary/Treasurer from 2000 to 2002 and President from 2002-2004. 

CSM Stanley R. Arnold, Jr. (Ret.) passed away on October 28, 2018. 

We Innovate.  We Honor.  We Educate.

The Veterans Heritage Learning Center was designed in 2015 and opened on November 11, 2018. It is a place that highlights the military history of New Hampshire and the veterans who bravely served the country. The center has a range of exhibits that provide an immersive learning experience for visitors.

Modular walls tell the story of New Hampshire’s rich military history starting in the late 17th century through the Colonial wars, the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I & II, Korea, and Vietnam into the present-day operations across the globe including Iraq and Afghanistan. No matter what generation was called to duty, New Hampshire's sons and daughters answered the call.

The center features interactive displays that showcase the stories of New Hampshire veterans. The goal of these exhibits is to educate visitors, teachers, and students about the veterans' selfless commitment to serving our nation and the significance of safeguarding the freedoms we enjoy every day.

The Medal of Honor Wall at the center narrates the heroic tales of every New Hampshire veteran who has been awarded the highest military honor of our nation. On the other hand, the Local Heroes Kiosks, which encircle the inside of the center, showcase individual profiles of veterans from New Hampshire, including Alan Shepard from Derry and Senior Chief Dan Healy from Exeter.