Three Mid-Missourians were recently presented Veterans Service Awards for their service to their communities.
Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder presented the awards to Nimrod Chapel Sr. and Charles Foster, both of Jefferson City, and Robert Jordan, Linn.
Chapel did five tours of duty in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam. He has served his community and transformed the lives of young people, the award noted. As president of the NAACP from 1998-2006, he was instrumental in providing scholarships for Jefferson City youth.
Foster is a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army. The award noted he has devoted thousands of hours to many organizations in and around Jefferson City and was instrumental in starting the Stephen Ministry at First Baptist Church, which provides counseling and care to people who are grieving. He also facilitates AARP's grief and loss program and served on First Baptist's homeless ministry committee. Since 2011, he has helped veterans through the HEROES Care program, and he also has been a mentor in the DARE program.
Jordan served 22 years in the Army, retiring in 1988 after being seriously injured in an accident while serving in Honduras. The award noted he has been a member of VFW Post 1003's Honor Guard for the past 11 years, attending many funeral and flag events throughout Mid-Missouri. He also is active in American Legion Post 5, where he serves as president of the Home Association and state director and chairman of its Cadet Patrol Program.