These honored veterans were chosen through a lottery drawing. The banners are displayed at Veterans Park, 100 Campanella Dr., Sikeston.
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2024-2025 Honored Veterans
Merlin G. Hagy enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 1, 1961, and was honorably discharged as a BT.3 and recommended for reenlistment on February 9, 1965, after serving 4 years. He was also recommended for a good conduct medal. Merlin attended his U.S. Navy basic training at Great Lakes, Illinois from May 19, 1961, until August 25, 1961, where he graduated as a Boiler Technician. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the USS Newport News CA.148, which was a heavy cruiser. He remained on this ship and sailed the seas for his entire Navy career. His ship was deployed to Cuba in October of 1962 to assist in the blockade of Russian ships called the Cuban Missile Crisis. This blockade began on October 16 to October 28, 1962. He was very proud of his role he played in this event. The confrontation is considered the closest the Cold War came to escalating into full-scale nuclear war.
Gary "Bo" Ozment graduated from Sikeston High School in 1967. At that time, Bo was drafted into the United States Army until 1971 with 6th Battalion 29th Artillery at Ankhe and the 805th Transportation at Fubi as a mechanic in the Vietnam War. After his tour in Vietnam, Bo returned to Sikeston and became a member of the Amvets of Sikeston. His membership in the Amvets lead him to begin teaching Hunter Education for Sikeston youth. Bo was recognized as a "Instructor of the Year" for the Southeast District of the Missouri Department of Conservation twice. He became involved in many community activities, such as Sikeston Elk's Club, Sikeston American Legion Post 114, and Sikeston VFW Post 3174. As Quartermaster of VFW Post 3174, Bo helped organize benefits for the Kenny Rogers Children Center, Missouri Delta Medical Center, the Shop with a Hero Program, and has been great assistance in promoting Sikeston's Veterans Park. Bo served as a member of the Sikeston Veterans Park committee for many decades.
James "Jim" Tanner was a farmer and entered the United States Army in 1942. Jim was trained as a medic and served with Co. B 8th Med. Battalion on the front lies in Northern France and Central Europe. Jim's only protection on the battlefield was the Red Cross on his sleeve. Jim saw action int he Belgium Bulge and Battle of Normandy. He landed on the beach of Normandy during the D-Day invasion. He was also once captured by Germans but talked them into letting him go. Jim received numerous medals, such as Purple Heart, 4 Bronze Stars, Silver Star, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle eastern Campaign Medal, Honorary Service Lapel Button, and a State of Missouri Award for Patriotic Service. PFC Tanner was honorably discharged on September 5th, 1945. He returned to Sikeston and was a lifetime member of VFW Post 3174, Disabled Veterans 57, the James Turner American Veterans Post 149, and the Henry Meldrum American Legion Post 114.
James "Wingnut" Walton served int he United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1970-1971. He was a trained Air Traffic Controller Tower Operator for Fixed and Rotary Aircraft. He received awards such as the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device. As like many young men of his era, Wingnut spent his Senior Class trip in the jungles of Vietnam and upon his return to Southeast Missouri, he went to and graduated from Southeast Missouri College where he earned his degree in Accounting. This degree served him well as a member of the American Legion Post 114m where he has served as the Finance Officer and Commander of the Post. He is currently still the Finance Officer, but serves as the District 14 Commander.
James Blair Moran, Jr. joined the United States Army on July 16th, 1969, right out of college. Blair knew that he would be sent to Vietnam so he enlisted int he Infantry and served as a radio man. Blair essentially was a tall man carrying a long whip antenna made for good reception, as well as a target for the enemy. Blair was released on June 1, 1971 as a Sergeant. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/"V" Device & 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters, and a Combat Infantryman Badge.
Claud J. Mayo served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1945. His rank was a Technician Fourth Grade. He served from May 20, 1943 to December 30, 1945. Claud served in the following Battles and Campaigns: New Guinea, Bismarck-Archipelago, South Philippines, and Luzon. He received decorations and ribbons such as 4 Bronze Stars for the mentioned battles and campaigns, GO 33-40 1945, Lepel Button, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Campaign Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, a Good Conduct Medal, 4 Overseas Bars, and a Victory Ribbon.
Carlton F. Adams served with the United States Army from January 1944 to March 1946. He went to Army Basic Training and Infantry School. Carlton served as an instructor at the Airborne School after completing the course. During a training exercise of blowing up a bridge, Carlton lost his hearing completely in one ear, while losing about 90% of his hearing in the other. He was then discharged at Camp Polk, LA in March of 1946. Carlton was awarded the American Theatre Ribbon and World War II Victory Medal.
Danny C. Hall served in the United States Army from 1968-1970. Danny went to Basic Training in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Afterwards, he was sent to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, for medic training. Danny received orders to Vietnam to 199th Infantry Brigade and took two weeks of Jungle Training School. Afterwards, Danny went to the 5th and 12th Infantry as 2nd Platoon Medic, then to D Troop 17th CAV. as 2nd Platoon Medic, all of which were part of the 199th Infantry Brigade. Danny mostly worked around Xuan Loc, Signal Mountain, and Black Horse. After six months of being in the jungle, Danny went to pull security for his Brigade Surgeon, Major Melvin L. Feldman. Danny received awards such as the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2), and a Combat Medical Badge.
Clarence E. Felker, Jr. served in the United States Air Force from 1943 to 1945. Clarence graduated from Sikeston High School in 1936 and from Central College at Fayette in 1940. He received his wings in June of 1944, and had been overseas since January of 1945. "Brother" as he affectionately was called by his friends, was one of the first pilots to take off on a mission from enemy soil as his group was the first Ninth Air Force fighter-bomber outfit to fly operationally from an American-built airfield in Germany. In addition to the Air Medal he wore, he also received a blue ribbon signifying his group had been awarded a presidential citation, and the European Theatre of Operations Ribbon with one Bronze Battle Star. While in Germany, he collected Nazi Memorabilia such as a German Mauser rifle and bayonet, a German dress sword, a Nazi flag signed by his fellow pilots, and Nazi egg cups from Fritzlar, an airbase from which his unit was stationed late in the war.
Wyatt A. Hicks-Johnson enlisted in the United States Army the summer before his senior year of high school in 2018. He left for Fort Benning, GA in 2019 for a 22-week OSUT (One Station Unit Training), which combined Basic Training with his skills training to become a M1A1 Tanker. Wyatt has served for five years and is currently on his second enlistment. Wyatt plans to Re-enlist in April of 2025 making a career of Military Service. Wyatt is currently stationed at Fort Riley in Kansas and is in the 2nd Armored Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.
Thomas A. Staggs served with the Missouri National Guard for over 26 years. He was deployed during Iraqi Freedom with the 1140th Engineer Battalion. He single handedly maintained the Base Camp at Tallil Air Force Base. He directly supervised the construction and maintenance of a complete Gym, Laundry Facility, and Drainage System of the tent city. He received four Missouri Commendation Medals, Humanitarian SVC Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and two Army Achievement Medals. He also received several other state commendations and medals for many deployments such as Panama, Honduras, Alaska, and Belize.
Shortly after graduating, Lawrence L. Williams enlisted into the United States Army. He served from July 16, 1968 to July 15, 1970. During his service, he received the National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, a Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, an Army Commendation Medal, a Combat Infantryman Badge, an Air Medal, and two Purple Hearts. In the Veteran Administration office located in Sikeston , Missouri, his picture hangs proudly on the wall of Valor. He served his country honorably and is a true hero.
Roger B. Sherman enlisted in the United States Navy after a semester of college at Southeast Missouri State. He received basic training at the USNTC Great Lakes, Illinois, followed by Radar School in Norfolk, Virginia, and later spent five weeks at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington D.C. Roger served on the U.S.S. Kirkpatrick (DER-318) while on active duty in the US Navy Reserve during the Korean War from February 1952 to February 1954. He was a member of the radar crew on the U.S.S. Kirkpatrick. After two years of active service and four years in the reserves, Roger was discharged. At that time, he returned to his studies at Southeast Missouri State College, where he graduated in 1958. Roger then created a life for himself in Sikeston, Missouri where he raised a family of seven children with his wife, Laura, and worked as a teacher, coach, and administrator for 36 years. Roger Sherman continues to reside in Sikeston today.
Roscoe Vaughan served in the United States Navy for six years, from 1941 to 1947. His rank in the U.S. Navy was Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class. Roscoe served in San Diego, California, Midway Islands, Pearl Harbor, amongst other vessels and stations. Roscoe was awarded Asiatic Pacific 2 Stars, American Area Medal, Victory Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal for his service in the United States Navy.
Lecil Lambert was a life-long resident of the Sikeston Area and was inducted into the United States Army on October 21, 1941. He was a Reconnaissance Car Crewman in the 4th U.S. Army assigned to the 4th Reconnaissance Troop Mechanized. He was awarded five Bronze Stars for bravery for his service at Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and the Central Europe Campaigns. His rank in the Army was Staff Sergeant. In addition to his Bronze Star Medals, he received the Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Ribbon, European-African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon, and two Overseas Bars. He was honorably discharged on August 26, 1945.
John R. Felker enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1942. He underwent basic training at Camp Pendelton and was deployed to the Pacific Theater as a part of the 2nd Marine Division Infantry. He fought in the Battle of Tarawa, was in the beach assault in the Battle of Saipan, fought in the Battle of Tinian and was deployed as a military policeman during the occupation of Japan in the fall of 1945. He returned to Sikeston in December of 1945 after 36 months of deployment in the South Pacific.
2023-2024 Honored Veterans
John "Frank" Ferrell joined the Army to become a pilot. He grew up working at what would become Harvey Parks Pilot Training School. After completing the program at Sikeston on June 26, 1944, he went on to Butler University for advanced training and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Lieutenant Ferrell trained in the B17, B25, and B29 programs and became an instructor. Ferrell was shipped to Seattle and deployed to Saipan when the Atomic Bombs were dropped ending the war. Frank returned after his discharge to Sikeston where he raised his family and began his successful career. He was involved in Sikeston in all facets and served as Mayor. Frank was a founding member and very instrumental in the development of Sikeston Veterans Park.
LCDR Clay A. Mitchell Jr. was a 1941 graduate of the Naval Academy. His class was the first of the wartime-accelerated classes. As a naval aviator, Clay participated in campaigns from Guadalcanal to the Gilberts and Marshall Islands. LCDR Mitchell was killed Aug 4, 1950, when the AD Sky Raider he was piloting collided with another over the Atlantic near Mayport FL during a training exercise.
Joseph Paul Henson joined the Marine Corps in 1955. Following bootcamp at MCRD San Diego, he served as an Engineer Equipment Operator, MOS 1345 for four years until his discharge in 1959. The Marine Corps would define his character and Mr. Henson passed along his admiration for the Corps to his three sons, who all served with pride in the US Marine Corps.
Michael K. Harris, Sr. served in the Missouri Army National Guard from 1984-2007. In 2005 took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was the NCO in charge U.S. Army Corps of Engineers near Bagdad, Iraq. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal, and Combat Action Badge. Mr. Harris has served on the Sikeston City Council 2001-2010. He is Pastor of Open-Door Fellowship Ministries, and a member of numerous military and civic groups. Michael Harris was inducted into the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame in 2022.
Doyle Wayne Noe joined the U.S. Army National Guard in 1998. In 2004 his unit was called to serve on active duty as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was stationed in Iraq for a year. Before being discharged, he was in a Humvee accident in Iraq. He was honorably discharged in June 2006. Dr. Noe received the Driver Badge, Army Lapel Button, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and Army Service Ribbon. As Sikeston High School Principal, Dr. Noe has organized and assisted in the Veterans Day Assembly for the past 5 years.
Rice "Pete" Burns, Sr. enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Feb 29, 1944. He received basic training at the USNTC Great Lakes, IL. He served on the U.S.S. Pickaway (APA-222) during his years of service in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific Area. The U.S.S. Pickaway was an Amphibious Attack Transport launched in 1944. Rice "Pete" Burns was a Baker Second Class and also operated one of the ship's guns. The U.S.S. Pickaway saw action at Iwo Jima and evacuated Marine forces who were finishing off the remaining Japanese forces on the island. Rice Burns & the U.S.S. Pickaway also participated in amphibious exercises in Guam, the Russell Islands, and Guadalcanal. He received the Victory Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal (1-star). He was honorably discharged on May 23, 1946. He passed away in 2006 having lived in Sikeston for 46 years.
Dr. Loring Helfrich served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps from September 1967 until July 2001. He served on active duty at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. In 1991 he served in Operation Desert Storm Kuwait/Saudi Arabia as Colonel of the 807th Surgical Hospital. Dr. Helfrich received the Meritorious Service Medal (1973-1976), the Army Commendation Medal (1983-1986), VII Corps: Certificate of Commendation Saudi Arabia, the Bronze Star Medal in1991, the Army Commendation Medal in 1994, Eastern Castle in 1994, and the Meritorious Service Medal (1994-1995). Dr. Helfrich returned to Sikeston and is a surgeon at Missouri Delta Medical Center.
Warren Harber was born July 14, 1922, growing up on a farm in New Madrid County. He graduated valedictorian of his class from Matthews High School and taught at Fairview Rural School until 1942. He was inducted into the US. Army training at Ft. Wolters, Ft. Benning, and Camp Wheeler. He became a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry and was deployed for 2 years in Italy. During his combat tour, he was the recipient of the 3 Bronze Stars and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain in May 1946. Warren returned to Sikeston where he and his wife Jewel Beck Harber, raised three daughters. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 33 years, retiring in 1981. During retirement he remained active in his church and the national Association of Federal Workers until his death in 2019. He is buried, along with his wife at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri.
Glenn R. Jones began his military career at age 20 at Jefferson Barracks in 1942. He served as a rifleman in the U.S. Army from 1942-1945. He served in World War II where he was a Purple Heart recipient and also awarded 7 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct & Presidents Unit Citation. Upon his return he served 23 years in the U.S. Army National Guard. Glenn served in battles and campaigns throughout the Tunisian, Rhineland, Sicilian, Central Europe, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno and Southern France Campaigns.
PFC Edward Smith joined the US Army Jan 22, 1945. He served with the 8th Army, 41st Infantry Div. as an infantry rifleman during the Philippine Liberation Campaign in 1945. At the war's end in Aug 1945 Smith was send to Japan as part of the occupation force until Aug 27, 1946. He served the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokeyo Bay after the Japanese surrender on Sept 2, 1945. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Army of Occupation Medal, Japan Victory Medal, 2 Overseas Service Bars. Smith lived in Sikeston most of his life and worked for MODOT until his retirement.
Gerald Davis joined the U.S Air Force out of high school and served in Japan. He left Air Force after 4 years, and then joined the Missouri Army National Guard. Davis served in Operation Desert Storm during the Persian Gulf War and retired after his tour was complete. Gerald received the Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Achievement, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and Sharpshooter Qualification Badge.Â
Earl Standridge was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967. He served in Vietnam from 1968-1969. After being discharged from the Army, Earl joined the Army National Guard retiring in 2006 as Sergeant First Class (E-7). He then joined the Ready Reserve and retired again with a total of 34 years in the military. Standridge was awarded the National Defense Ribbon, Vietnam Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Service Commendation Medal, 2 overseas tour bars, M-14 Rifle Sharpshooter and M-16 Rifle Marksman.
Lester Bowles joined the Marines in 1959 at 18 years of age. He served two tours in the Vietnam War as a helicopter crew chief. He was awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Combat Air Crew Insignia, Air Medal and Good Conduct Medal.Â
Fred Estes enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1959 and served 20 years. He served in the Vietnam War for 4 years. He was an Electricians Mate and was responsible for preventing power failures on his ship. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Meritorious, Unit Citation Gallantry Cross and Civil Actions and Fourth Good Conduct Award. After retiring from the military, Fred worked for Sikeston Board of Municipal Utilities for 26 years.
Henry Meldrum served in the 138th Field Artillery 1917-1918 (World War I). He was shot in battle and died in France on Dec 16, 1918. Mr. Meldrum was prominent in the Methodist Church, taking active part in every department. The church held a service in his honor on January 6, 1919. The Sikeston American Legon Post 114 is named after him.
Billie Kanell joined the U.S. Army in 1950. By September 7, 1951, he was serving in Korea as a private in Company I of the 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On that day, near Pyongyang, his unit was attacked by a superior force. When a grenade was thrown into his emplacement, he smothered the blast with his body to protect two nearby soldiers. Although severely wounded in the explosion, he used his body to shield his comrades from another grenade thrown several seconds later and was mortally wounded. Kanell was posthumously awarded the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
THIS PROGRAM IS MADE POSSOBLE BY SUPPORT FROM THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS
 
  
Alan Wire Company - American Legion Post #114 - First State Bank & Trust Company, Inc. - Focus Bank
Food Giant Supermarkets, Inc. - Mitchell Insurance, Inc. - Lloyd & Marlys Smith - Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe
Raymond James Financial Services - Sam’s Fine Jewelry - Sikeston Career & Technology Center
Sikeston Lions Club - Sikeston Rotary Club - Steward Steel, Inc
Ultimate Flooring & Paint - Ziegenhorn and Collins Families