DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY|dewayne@mcnews.online
MOUNT IDA – Montgomery County American Legion Post #313 presented their inaugural First Responder of the Year and Law Enforcement Officer awards Saturday at their annual Veterans Day celebration and Marine Corps Birthday Bash.
The event was held Saturday, November 6, at the Roosevelt Auditorium in Mount Ida. The evening opened with a chili and gumbo supper. After the meal the program opened with prayer by Post Chaplain Jack Shipman, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem led by Post Sergeant at Arms Weldon McDougle.
McDougle read an explanation for the POW/MIA Chair and the Missing Man Table.
Post Commander Dixie Fecho presented the first ever Law Enforcement Officer Award to Andrew Thompson. Thompson is a member of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and currently serves as the school resource officer at the Oden School Campus.
McDougle presented the First Responder Fire Award to Bill Barnes. Barnes has been a longtime member of the Joplin Fire Department.
Both awards were determined by community input through nomination forms printed in the Montgomery County News durng the month of October.
Fecho also presented a Volunteer Appreciation Award to Stormy Cooper for all the help she and and Bob’s Food City continue to give to the Post.
Fecho, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps., was joined by fellow Marine Richard Campbell in cutting the Marine Corps Birthday Cake. This year marks the 246th birthday for the Corps.
Veterans Day will be celebrated Thursday, November 11. Originally known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day celebrates the service of all servicemen and women who served in the Armed Forces and were honorably discharged from service.
