JEFFERSON CITY - State Sen. Doug Libla, R-Poplar Bluff, today (11-19) congratulated Richard Deason for being a winner of the 2014 Lt. Governor’s Veterans Service Award. Last month, Sen. Libla nominated Deason for the award, which recognizes Missouri veterans who provide exemplary volunteer service to their communities. He will be recognized early next year, at the Capitol in Jefferson City, at a banquet for all the winners.

“Richard joined the service with his brother Ralph on July 31, 1971, and served three years in the regular Army,” Sen. Libla said. “His service included working in Germany with the Student Guard Seventh Core Artillery, Fort Lewis in Washington for six months, Fort Sill in Oklahoma for three months, and Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri for three months. He later joined the National Guard in Poplar Bluff, in which he served for more than 20 years.”

Deason now is the commander of American Legion Post 153 in Poplar Bluff. He volunteers with many different organizations, such as AMVETS Post 29 and the Poplar Bluff VFW post. He has also helped the Elks Lodge with bingo and other various duties, and for the Eagles Post 3730. He is also a member of Eagle Riders, where they raise money for different veterans’ organizations, and also rides with the American Legion during military funerals. Deason has been involved with more than 1,000 military funerals.

“Thanks for your service Richard, and what a way to show patriotism and appreciation to your fellow veterans,” Sen. Libla said.