Every year, the state legislature recognizes a veteran from each district who answers the call to national service through their enlistment and patriotism.
“I’m going to be honest, I …
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Every year, the state legislature recognizes a veteran from each district who answers the call to national service through their enlistment and patriotism.
“I’m going to be honest, I never feel like I'm worthy to be among this group of people,” State Rep. Kent Haden (District 43) said.
Haden visited the Auxvasse Community center June 17 to bestow the special honor to frequent Veterans Coffee Talk guest Robert Kimble.
“He was ill and wasn’t able to attend the ceremony in Jefferson City and he said, ‘I would really like to be recognized among the coffee group that we meet with because they’re important to me,’” Haden said.
Lance Cpl. Kimble was a Marine who served two different tours of duty in Vietnam from 1961-1965. He had 15 confirmed parachute jumps – 11 of which were in combat – and he is a survivor of the battle of Khe Sanh.
“As many of you are aware, Robert was in really intense battles,” Haden said.
The 1968 battle of Khe Sanh is often considered one of the longest and deadliest battles of the Vietnam war – the U.S. was under siege for 77 days.
The resolution presented by the legislature thanked Kimble for his service and sacrifice for the benefit of the nation.
Haden said that whenever he is tasked with choosing a veteran, it is a difficult decision because he has 100 veterans he’d like to recognize.
“Whenever we have one of these, I am always pulled because every one of you here deserves that recognition,” Haden said as he addressed all the veterans in attendance. “When you came home, you didn’t get the recognition you should have got and I apologize but we are a country that is thankful for what you’ve done.”
There to witness Kimble’s achievement was his wife Alice and his son David, who came all the way from California.
As Kimble beamed, Haden pulled out a surprise award for another deserving person.
“I have always admired what Eldora does every week and the Missouri House of Representatives would like to recognise Eldora,” Haden said.
Eldora Lowry was recognized as an esteemed citizen of Auxvasse for her dedication to creating a safe space for veterans through the Coffee Talks.
“I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn't think the world of the veterans and my dad and all the Vietnam veterans that lost their lives that I knew,” Lowry said.
Lowry is also involved in the Central Missouri Honor Flight, Lutheran Women in Mission, One-Auxvasse-Main Street MO Project, Agape house of Vandalia, Auxvasse Lions Club, Auxvasse Planning and Zoning, and the Auxvasse Park Board.
“Thank you all again for your service,” Lowry said, addressing the veterans. “We are all here to support you and you all deserve all the credit.”
