The American Legion named Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, Senator of the Year and presented him with his award Saturday at the annual convention. From the Nodler news release:
“I am honored to have been chosen as a recipient of this award by the American Legion, and I would like to extend my thanks for the good work the organization accomplished for our veterans,” said Sen. Nodler. “We are reminded daily of the sacrifices made by our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines, and I am pleased with the work we have accomplished in the Senate to make sure our veterans get the benefits they need and deserve.”
Senator Nodler has been dedicated to passing legislation and policies to honor, aid, and show appreciation to Missouri’s veterans throughout his time in the Missouri Senate. During the 2010 legislative session, the General Assembly approved a bill making it easier for overseas military members to vote in elections, requiring the state and local government entities to give a measured preference to service-disabled veteran businesses when selecting contractors for any job or service, and establishing the Missouri Youth Challenge Academy for at-risk high school age youth. In 2009, the General Assembly passed legislation extending state income tax exemptions on retirement income to all veterans. In 2008, the Legislature passed the Missouri Returning Heroes’ Education Act to provide discounted tuition at state universities to veterans returning from combat.
During his time as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Nodler ensured that Missouri Veterans Homes received the funding they needed to fully staff facilities and keep up with food and medical inflation.
The Missouri American Legion is an organization of veterans committed to serving veterans, their families, and their communities. Senator Nodler is a member of the American Legion, having served in the United States Army and the Missouri National Guard. The American Legion, Department of Missouri was chartered on August 1, 1920. There are more than 44,000 members that make up American Legion posts located throughout the state.
Southwest Missouri has one of the highest populations of active military, National Guard members and veterans of military service of any part of the state.
ReplyDeleteIt only makes sense that with his extensive background and years of work in assisting veterans that Gary Nodler has a wealth of knowledge about the military, veterans and senior affairs and would be an effective Member of Congress to represent our interests as veterans and senior citizens.
He is the only candidate endorsed by American Legion, Missouri Association of Veterans Organizations and Missourians United for Life.