Odessa Senior Center volunteer receives state honor
Missouri Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder presented the award March 1.
Crowl, a Navy veteran who served in the South Pacific during World War II, has never stopped serving his community, said the Odessa Senior Center Coordinator Brian Henning, who nominated Crowl for the Veterans Service Award.
“Leonard is a very giving person and has spent his life doing good for others,” Henning said.
Henning said Crowl serves the senior center in many ways: on the board, as auditor, fundraising and loading trucks.
“As with the rest of his generation, he is a selfless man always looking to help someone out,” Henning said. “His kind and courteous nature is addictive and many times extremely rare.”
From left, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, World War II Veteran Leonard Crowl, his son and daughter-in-law Wayne and Joyce Crowl, Odessa Senior Center Coordinator Brian Hennings, and State Rep. Glen Kolkmeyer, of Lafayette County
Following a luncheon at the Capitol in their honor, Kinder presented recipients with a Veterans Service Award lapel pin and a declaration from the lieutenant governor’s office recognizing their service to their communities.
“From all over our state, when our nation called, these men and women answered that call and served in the armed forces,” Kinder said. “For many of these veterans, and all of those we honor today, your service didn’t end when your military obligation was over.
“Instead, you all have continued to serve Missouri and your communities, giving back through countless hours of volunteer service.”
Kinder said he instituted the Veterans Service Award in 2012 as a way to recognize Missouri’s hometown heroes and shine the spotlight on their selfless service.
“This award is just one small way our state can say, ‘Thank you’ to our veterans and honor the sacrifices they continue to make for their communities and state,” he said.
Source: Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder’s office
Leonard Crowl poses with his award at the Missouri Capitol.