JEFFERSON CITY -- Sen. John Loudon, R-West St. Louis County, has successfully sponsored the appointment of Major Robert E. Thomson, Ballwin, to the Missouri Community Service Commission.

"Major Thomson has dedicated his life to community service, and he will be a valuable asset to this commission," said Sen. Loudon. "He has spent his entire career trying to improve the communities in which he lived."

Thomson and his wife, Nancy, are the leaders of The Salvation Army Midland Division. Thomson, divisional commander, is responsible for all ecclesiastical and business operation within the division. This includes 158 service units, 29 Corps Community Centers, 17 social service institutions and seven St. Louis-based emergency service centers.

The Missouri Community Service Commission administers the National and Community Service Act of 1993, and strives to make service and volunteerism a common expectation of all Missourians, with a special concentration on young people.

There are currently 24 members on the commission, which commission fosters the ethic of service through empowering communities and citizens from all walks of life to address educational, public safety, human and environmental needs through volunteer programs.

"The most effective way each of us can make our communities better places to live, is by becoming involved," Sen. Loudon said. "We should all dedicate at least an hour or two a week to community service."

The governor makes appointments to state boards and commissions with the advice and consent of the Senate.

The Senate Committee on Gubernatorial Appointments usually meets weekly during the legislative session. Their sponsoring senator presents each appointee to the committee.

Once the committee has approved appointments, the chairman reports on the committee's action to the floor for consideration by the full Senate.

Appointees must be approved by the committee and confirmed by the full Senate before taking the position on the board or the committee.