Sikeston Iraq War veteran to address crowd at ceremony

SIKESTON -- Sikeston's annual Veterans Day service will feature comments by one of Sikeston's own.

Veterans Day will be observed this year with a ceremony scheduled for 9:45 a.m. Friday at the Sikeston Senior High School Field House.

Honored guest and speaker will be Sikeston native and Iraq War veteran 1st Sgt. Dan Armour.

"I'm just very honored and privileged to be asked to be the keynote speaker for Veterans Day," Armour said. "I'm going to thank the veterans and their families and dependents for their service, for their sacrifices, during their service for their country."

Armour is now in his 31st year as a member of the Missouri National Guard and is currently serving as acting command sergeant major of the 1140th Engineering Battalion.

From February 2004 through the following 12 months, he was the senior non-commissioned officer for Company C of the 1140th Engineer Battalion in Iraq.

"Under his outstanding leadership, this unit did not suffer any casualties during their tenure in this dangerous combat zone," said Blair Moran, program coordinator and chaplain of Sikeston American Legion Post 114. "He has received a host of awards and decorations while serving with the Guard."

As a civilian, Armour is currently with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety with 28 years of service.

His primary responsibility is commanding the uniformed patrol.

He was named Administrative/Supervisory Employee of the Year for the city of Sikeston in 1989 and 1997.

A 1967 graduate of Sikeston High School, Armour graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1974 with a degree in law enforcement.

He has also attended several advanced training courses on law enforcement throughout his career.

Armour is married to the former Sondra Stewart of Sikeston. They have one son, Brent, who is currently serving with the Missouri Army National Guard.

Veterans from the local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars lodges will also be participating.

The Sikeston High School band, choir and orchestra will perform and the local unit of the National Guard will provide the posting of the colors and 21-gun salute.

The prayer of remembrance will be offered by the Rev. Mike Brewer, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Charleston.

"I urge everybody in the community to try to attend to salute those who gave their sacrifice to keep this great nation free," Moran said.