Sen. Gary Nodler Named Senator of the Year by American Legion

Jefferson City — Senator Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, was recently named Senator of the Year by the American Legion, Department of Missouri. The award was presented at the American Legion’s annual convention on July 10.

“I am honored to have been chosen as a recipient of this award by the American Legion, and I would like to extend my thanks for the good work the organization accomplished for our veterans,” said Sen. Nodler. “We are reminded daily of the sacrifices made by our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines, and I am pleased with the work we have accomplished in the Senate to make sure our veterans get the benefits they need and deserve.”

Senator Nodler has been dedicated to passing legislation and policies to honor, aid, and show appreciation to Missouri’s veterans throughout his time in the Missouri Senate. During the 2010 legislative session, the General Assembly approved a bill [HB1524] making it easier for overseas military members to vote in elections, requiring the state and local government entities to give a measured preference to service-disabled veteran businesses when selecting contractors for any job or service, and establishing the Missouri Youth Challenge Academy for at-risk high school age youth. In 2009, the General Assembly passed legislation extending state income tax exemptions on retirement income to all veterans [HB82]. In 2008, the Legislature passed the Missouri Returning Heroes’ Education Act [HB1678] to provide discounted tuition at state universities to veterans returning from combat.

During his time as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Nodler ensured that Missouri Veterans Homes received the funding they needed to fully staff facilities and keep up with food and medical inflation.

The Missouri American Legion is an organization of veterans committed to serving veterans, their families, and their communities. Senator Nodler is a member of the American Legion, having served in the United States Army and the Missouri National Guard. The American Legion, Department of Missouri was chartered on August 1, 1920. There are more than 44,000 members that make up American Legion posts located throughout the state.