George R. Shelley, California, was presented with a Veterans Service Award by Missouri Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder Tuesday, June 28, at the California City Hall Meeting Room.
Kinder spoke about the origin of the Veterans Service Award, and why Shelley was an excellent recipient before presenting the award at a ceremony.
According to Kinder, he instituted the Veterans Service Award in 2012 as a way to recognize Missouri's hometown heroes and shine the spotlight on their selfless service.It was actually an outgrowth of a senior service award which had been instituted a few years before.
"This award is just one small way our state can say, 'Thank you' to our veterans and honor the sacrifices they continue to make for their communities and the state," Kinder said.
Shelley was one of 34 Missouri veterans from around the state to receive the 2016 award, which is given to veterans who provide exemplary volunteer service to their communities.
Shelley, who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, has long been a faithful volunteer for Moniteau County Memorial VFW Post 4345, where he has served in leadership roles. He also volunteers for the California School District, where he coordinated the California Pinto Entertainment Network, taping and archiving countless school events.
"The same strong sense of duty and patriotism you showed in your service to the nation, you continue to show in your commitment to your community and the state of Missouri," Kinder said.
Shelley also is very active in Masonic Lodge 183 and the Order of the Easter Star Chapter, and was awarded the Masonic Lifetime Achievement Award by the Grand Lodge of Missouri in 2015.
He was nominated for the Veterans Service Award by the California Area Chamber of Commerce, which awarded him its Citizen of the Year in 2011.
In the nomination, Sandra Ratliff, executive secretary of the Chamber, wrote that Shelley exemplifies someone who his devoted to his community and his country. "Evidence of his love for his country and his community shows through in everything he does," Ratliff said. "The California Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to have Mr. George R. Shelley as a member of our community."
At Tuesday's ceremony, attended by Shelley's friends and family, Kinder presented him with a Veterans Service Award lapel pin and an official declaration from the lieutenant governor's office recognizing his service to his community. In addition, Drew Dampf of Sen. Mike Kehoe's office brought a copy of a Senate Resolution which was also presented.