JEFFERSON CITY – State Senator Wayne Wallingford, R-Cape Girardeau, has accepted the position of Chairman of MissouriVets4Energy, an adjunct organization of the Energy Forum, which is part of the American Petroleum Institute. 

“I am honored to have been asked to be a part of Vets4Energy and fully endorse its mission of protecting our national security using energy policies that benefit our country and our allies overseas,” said Sen. Wallingford.  “One current energy policy under consideration by Congress is legislation that would repeal the 40-year old ban on exporting U.S. crude oil products.  Lifting that ban would permit the United States to provide much needed petroleum products to allies who, under the current system, have to rely on crude oil products provided by undemocratic countries.”  

Vets4Energy is a group of volunteer veterans who continue to serve America as advocates for energy policies to sustain our national security.  Representing all branches and ranks of the military, they partner with Veteran Service Organizations (VSO’s) across the country to deliver the message that Energy Security equals National Security.  These Veterans, who have dedicated their lives to protect our nation, remain a strong voice to policymakers to convey the importance of energy to our national security.  

Senator Wallingford is a retired Lt. Colonel with the United States Air Force. He served on active duty for 25 years, including five tours in Vietnam and six tours in Desert Storm/Desert Shield. He received the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, 21 Air Medals, the Air Force Commendation Medal for Heroism and several other honors.

Senator Wallingford will join other distinguished veterans in Washington D.C. on September 30 – October 1 to discuss energy policies with members of Missouri’s congressional delegation.