Nearly 70 Missouri Veterans and Families Honored During War Medallions Ceremony in Richland

Nearly 70 Missouri veterans and their families gathered Monday, October 26, for the Missouri War Medallions Recognition Ceremony at First Christian Church of Richland, Missouri. The ceremony recognized generations of military service, from World War I through the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For some veterans, it was an opportunity to personally receive recognition for their service. For others, children, grandchildren, and family members stepped forward to accept medals on behalf of loved ones who had passed away.

Freddie Brock, President of the Association of the United States Army’s (AUSA) Fifth Region, helped coordinate the ceremony and presented medals to veterans and their families. The event was supported by the AUSA Fort Leonard Wood–Mid Missouri Chapter along with the Missouri National Guard.

The Missouri Veterans Recognition Program dates back to April 23, 1919, when the Missouri General Assembly authorized medals recognizing military service. Over the years, the program expanded to include World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Brigadier General Alexander Lovasz, Deputy Commanding General at Fort Leonard Wood, served as the ceremony’s guest speaker. Lovasz spoke about the sacrifices made by generations of American service members, from the trenches of World War I to the mountains of Afghanistan. He also recognized the importance of those who served in support roles, including maintenance, logistics, and training, along with the families who supported them throughout their military careers.

One of the most meaningful moments of the ceremony was the presentation of original World War I medals to descendants of Missouri veterans. These medals were minted more than a century ago and were not modern reproductions. For the families receiving them, the medals represented a connection to ancestors whose service took place generations earlier.

“These medals are more than metal and a ribbon,”

Lovasz told those gathered, describing the recognition as a debt of honor owed to the men and women who served their country.

Brock, who oversees AUSA’s Fifth Region representing nine states, has worked to support military members, veterans, and their families. During the ceremony, he helped present medals to veterans and descendants, including families receiving recognition for military service dating back more than 100 years.

Organizers encouraged veterans to share their military experiences with their children and grandchildren, reminding those attending that medals, certificates, and the stories behind them become an important part of a family’s history.

Veterans Recognized During the Ceremony

The following veterans were recognized during the ceremony. The wars and military operations listed reflect the information provided on the event’s recognition roster. Family members who accepted medals on behalf of deceased veterans are also identified.

World War I and World War II

Mack Smith was recognized for his service during World War II. His son, Mike Smith, accepted the medal on his behalf.

Clyde Gideon was recognized for World War II service, with his son, Jerry Gideon, accepting his medal.

Alvin Gant was honored for his service during World War I. His grandson, Jerry McClure, accepted the medal.

Carmack McClure was recognized for his World War II service. His son, Jerry McClure, accepted the medal on his behalf.

Jessie Ledbetter was recognized for World War II service, with his son, Michael Hanks, accepting his medal.

Gerald Strutton was recognized for his service during World War II.

0William Birks was honored for service during World War I and World War II. His nephew, Thomas Cecora, accepted his medal.

Joseph A. Kovalick was recognized for his service during World War II and the Korean War. His son accepted the medal on his behalf.

Benjamin Webb was honored for World War II service, with his granddaughter, Jennifer, accepting his medal.

Korean War and Vietnam

Arthur Ansley was recognized for service during Vietnam and Desert Storm.

Darwin Eldridge was honored for his service during Vietnam.

Jerry McClure was recognized for his service during Vietnam and Desert Storm.

Walter Farris was honored for his service during Vietnam.

William Hinze was recognized for service during the Korean War and Vietnam. Karen Mackney accepted his medal on his behalf.

Junior Homan was recognized for service during Vietnam.

Harold Justice was honored for his service during Vietnam.

Walter King was recognized for service during Vietnam.

William Layde was honored for his service during Vietnam.

Herbert Green was recognized for his service during the Korean War.

Robert Layman was honored for service during Vietnam.

Chester Looney was recognized for service during Vietnam.

Clarence Mackney was honored for service during Vietnam and Desert Storm.

Kevin Roam was recognized for his service during Vietnam.

Ronald Layman was honored for service during Vietnam.

David Simkins was recognized for his service during Vietnam.

Roy Max Holler was honored for service during Vietnam. His son, Roy Holler, accepted the medal on his behalf.

Raymond Cecora was recognized for service during the Korean War. His son, Thomas Cecora, accepted his medal.

Charles Graviss was honored for his service during Vietnam.

John Suter was recognized for service during Vietnam.

Roy Mitschele was honored for service during Vietnam.

James Sutton was recognized for his service during Vietnam.

James Nunley was honored for service during Vietnam.

Jerry Lane was recognized for his service during Vietnam. His daughter, Kathy Wohler, accepted the medal on his behalf.

Comadora Ferguson was honored for service during Vietnam and Desert Storm.

Joe Worley was recognized for service during the Korean War and Vietnam. His son, Roy Worley, accepted his medal.

Roderick McBreairty was honored for his service during Vietnam.

Marvin Caulk was recognized for service during Vietnam.

Kenneth Robinson was honored for service during Vietnam.

Bobbie Baker was recognized for service during Vietnam.

Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom

Herbert Green Jr. was recognized for service during Desert Storm.

Timothy Hunchberger was honored for his service during Desert Storm.

Jerry McDaniel was recognized for service during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Thomas Cecora was honored for service during Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sulaiman Stephens was recognized for service during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Mark Stockfish was honored for service during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Thomas Tylka was recognized for service during Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Steven Watson was honored for service during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Geoffrey Gomez was recognized for service during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Travis Miller was honored for service during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Daron Brashear was recognized for service during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Robert Switzer was honored for service during Desert Storm.

Jerry Tyler was recognized for service during Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Anthony Cecora was honored for service during Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. His father, Thomas Cecora, received the medal on his behalf.

Sabrina Heckel was recognized for service during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Christopher Heckle was honored for service during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Carl Metzer was recognized for service during Desert Storm.

Lamar Glover was honored for service during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Roy Melvon Holler was recognized for service during Desert Storm.

Rebecca Smith was honored for service during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Robert Smith was recognized for service during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Joellen Ferguson was honored for service during Desert Storm.

Roy Teal was recognized for service during Desert Storm.

Joseph Tarzenski was honored for service during Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Additional Recognition

Carmack McClure was recognized a second time during the ceremony for his military service in another war. His son, Jerry McClure, accepted the second medal on his behalf. The family received two separate medals recognizing McClure’s service in two different wars.

Honoring Their Service and Preserving Their Stories

Throughout the ceremony, veterans and their families were encouraged to come forward together, receive their medals and certificates, and take photographs to remember the occasion.

For many families, those photographs will become part of their history, alongside medals, military records, and stories shared across generations.

The ceremony served as a reminder that while military service may have ended decades ago, the impact of that service continues through the families and communities those veterans helped protect.

Thanks to the efforts of Freddie Brock, the AUSA Fort Leonard Wood–Mid Missouri Chapter, and everyone involved in organizing the event, veterans and their families received recognition that, in some cases, had been waiting for more than a century.

For the veterans who stood proudly to receive their medals and the families who accepted them in memory of loved ones, the day was about more than recognition. It was an opportunity to honor a lifetime of service, remember those who came before them, and preserve their stories for future generations.

Their service is part of Missouri’s history, and their sacrifices will not be forgotten.

For additional information about the Missouri War Medallions Recognition Program, including details about veteran recognition and awards, visit ⁠Lebanon Now’s Veterans Awards page.See all the photos from the ceremony HERE: FULL PHOTO GALLERY