Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Jefferson City, Missouri – Gov. Jay Nixon has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags at state buildings in all 114 counties and the City of St. Louis be flown at half-staff on May 25 to honor the bravery and sacrifice of Sergeant First Class Trenton L. Rhea.
Sergeant First Class Rhea, age 33, of Kansas City, was a soldier in the United States Army serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He died on May 15 while serving his country in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.
In addition, Gov. Nixon has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags at all state buildings in Clay County be flown at half-staff from May 26 – May 31.
“Sergeant First Class Rhea served our country with bravery and dedication as a soldier in the United States Army, and I ask all Missourians to remember his sacrifice when they see the lowered flags,” Gov. Nixon said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they mourn.”
Sergeant First Class Rhea was assigned to the 603rd Military Police Company, 530th Military Police Battalion, 300th Military Police Brigade, 200th Military Police Command, U.S. Army Reserve, Belton, Missouri.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2 awards), Army Achievement Medal (2 awards), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device (3 awards), Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3 awards), Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat and Special Skill Badge Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge (Bar, Weapon: Rifle (Inscription: Rifle), Expert), Driver and Mechanic Badge (Bar, Driver-W), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, and the Overseas Service Bar (3 awards).
Our thoughts and prayers to his family during this difficult time.
Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) spoke on the Senate floor today to send his prayers to the tornado victims in Moore, Okla. and to mark the anniversary of the devastating tornado that tore through Joplin, Missouri two years ago.
Blunt also praised the tremendous and ongoing rebuilding efforts in Joplin, including a $20 million grant awarded to the City of Joplin to revitalize the 20th Street Corridor.
The grant, which was awarded today by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) through the FY2012 Disaster Relief Opportunity, supports construction of a new public library and a community resource center.
“Two years after the devastating Joplin tornado, we’ve witnessed remarkable rebuilding and recovery efforts across the region,” Blunt said. “I’m thankful Joplin received this grant, which will continue to revitalize the community and spur new economic development opportunities in the City’s 20th Street Corridor.”
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
He gave an awesome account of his State Senate session.
Doug Libla was born in 1952 and raised in Greenville, MO by his parents Clyde and Marglie Libla. He was educated in Greenville R2 Schools and graduated from Greenville High School in 1970. Doug moved to Poplar Bluff in 1971 and attended Three Rivers College from 1971-1973. Doug married Elaine Duncan in 1972 at Williamsville, MO. They have one daughter (Cassie), son-in-law (Daniel) and two grandsons (Noah and Josiah).
He began his business career in Poplar Bluff on June 9, 1971, as owner and operator of Doug’s Sinclair & Tire, at the corner of North Main & Davis Street. Many people remember him pumping their gas, changing oil, fixing flat tires, plus washing and repairing cars for a living.
Doug and his brother, David, began a successful partnership in 1977 with a joint business venture that led to the creation of a number of successful companies. With hard work and strong values learned from their parents, they experienced success in manufacturing wood pallets, trucking, telecommunications, heavy construction, automotive products, industrial supplies, and commercial and industrial real estate.
The result of their life’s work was their flagship company, Mid Continent Nail Corporation, located in the Poplar Bluff Industrial Park. Since 1987 their brand “Magnum Fasteners”, has gained recognition throughout North America as the premier quality nail manufacturer serving the wooden pallet, reels, crating and construction industries.
Doug is strongly committed to improving the quality of life for the citizens of Southern Missouri and is involved in a number of community activities. He serves on the board of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Three Rivers College Endowment Trust, Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center Board of Governors, the TAC committee of Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission and is a Past President/Charter Member/ and current Troop E Director of “THE MASTERS” (Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society).
In addition to these activities, Doug and Elaine are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others by actively working with and supporting the following charities: The Baptist Children’s Home, Boys and Girls Club of Poplar Bluff, Southeast Missouri FCA, Haven House and many others.
Doug and his wife Elaine are long time members of the First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, MO.
If you would like to know more about Stoddard County Republican Club join them on the third Monday of each month at the Hickory Log Restaurant. Meeting time starts at 6:30 p.m.
