Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2591 in Sedalia elected officers for 2013-2014 on April 15.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4195 met April 5 at the post in Knob Noster. Officers for the new year were elected. They are Michael Fisk, commander; Jack Andrada, senior vice commander; Emmette Smelley, junior vice commander; Jim McCoy, quartermaster; Leo Watson, chaplain; Jeff Willming, judge advocate; Randy Sellers, surgeon; Bill Wheat, officer of the day; Edward “Bruce” Cantey, third-year trustee; David Koehler, second-year trustee; and Gary Swearingen, third-year trustee.

A Lenten luncheon will begin at noon today at First Christian Church, 200 S Limit Ave. Chris Traffansted, chaplain at Tyson’s, will speak.

Randy Bixby, of Des Moines, Iowa, will speak on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at Liberty Life Center Church at 1501 Driftwood Drive.

(BPT) - Whatever their backgrounds, beliefs and duties, Sailors have religious needs that must be met while they are answering the call to serve their country.  They need guidance, moral support and worship opportunities – services especially critical to help guide them through the challenges of the job and family life.  

(NAPSI)—An effort is under way to bring the personal lessons of the Vietnam War to life by having those who were there share their experiences.

(BPT) - Family obligations, changing career aspirations and personal commitments are many of the factors that discourage Sailors and civilians from pursuing active duty service in the United States Navy. Did you know that Navy Reservists are able to serve their country while also working as professionals in their respective career fields?

Crossroads Hospice recognized dozens of Sedalia veterans for their service in patriotic ceremonies held Friday and Monday at local nursing homes.

American Legion Post 16 recently installed officers for 2012-13. Pictured from left are Ralph Kreisel, service officer; Emmett Fairfax, trustee; Wes Shirley, historian; Robert Wenig, chaplain; George Fairfax, commander; Bill Neff, first vice commander; Bill Hanna, trustee; Cam Jennings, adjutant and treasurer; and George Shepherd, Missouri American Legion District 7 commander. Post 16 actively supports nursing scholarships at State Fair Community College, Boys State, Smith-Cotton JROTC and other community activities in the central Missouri area.

Oct. 18 was a day that I will never forget because of the Sedalia Democrat’s own Latisha Koetting.

Brian Burd had an oceanfront view from his dorm room when he attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. But he wanted to “get out of California and see a different part of the country.”

WARSAW — In a hotel room in Colorado, Chuck and Kate Daffron made a decision to change the lives of disabled veterans.

From the commemorative bricks on the Pettis County Courthouse lawn to the honor flights that give armed service members a chance to see their memorials — if it involves veterans in Pettis County, chances are, Vietnam War Army veteran and longtime volunteer Jim Gaertner has a hand in it.

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Lynde, of Hughesville, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a surprise party held at their daughter’s house on July 15. They plan to take a trip to Branson in October.

Folks in Green Ridge will take to their city park Friday night for a free family-friendly movie, with concession proceeds going to help fund the placement of markers on veterans’ graves.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2591 recently elected officers for 2012-13. They are Mike Johnson, commander; Larry Reven, senior vice commander; Greg Bird, junior vice commander; Don Chapin, quartermaster; Dan Ballah, chaplain; Larry Brooks, judge advocate; Rudy Kohrs, surgeon; Dick Kraus, Hank Laramie and David Sisk, trustees; Larry Stevenson, adjutant; Gary Gill, service officer; Dick Meyer, Lester Sandusky and Paul Sandbothe, house committee.

Remembering and celebrating those who fought and died for our nation’s freedom was the theme of Monday’s Memorial Day activities.

With Memorial Day on the horizon, 40 & 8, Voiture 333, wanted to do something special to honor the memory of the late 1st Sgt. Billy Joe Siercks.

Bothwell Regional Health Center thanked the American Red Cross, Bothwell Auxiliary, Hospice and chaplain volunteers at its annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on April 19 at the First United Methodist Church Celebration Center.

By Senior Airman Laura Goodgame

By Lt. Col. David Benson

By Heidi Hunt

D-Day, June 6, 1944. I remember that day well. The news was full about the invasion. I was only 14 years old. The reason I recall the date was because my older brother, Leo Koechner (1924-1993) was home from Army basic training. He had recently been drafted.