Memorial Day service planned for Monday in Sikeston

SIKESTON — The Sikeston community will observe Memorial Day with a service Monday at Veterans Park.

Set to begin at 10:30 a.m., the service will feature honored guest and speaker, Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey C. Sandusky. The park is located at the corner of Linn Street and Campanella. In the event of rain, services will be held at the First Christian Church.

Local veterans from the VFW and American Legion will participate in the service. The prayer of remembrance will be offered by the Rev. Jennifer Moxley of the First United Methodist Church, and Melissa Rhodes will sing the National Anthem.

A decorated combat veteran of the Vietnam War, retired U.S. Army Capt. Bill Culp will present the wreath. The local Sikeston National Guard Unit will perform the 21-gun salute, and Ethan Bartlett of Sikeston High School will play “Taps.” State Rep. Don Rone of Portageville will make a special presentation. Following the service, the American Legion Auxiliary will have lunch for veterans and their families at the Post located on South Kingshighway.

Sandusky is the command chief master sergeant, 62nd Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. He advises the commander and staff on matters of health, morale, welfare, training, professional development and utilization of approximately 7,000 total Force Airmen serving the Joint Base and the surrounding community in the Pacific Northwest.

Sandusky entered the Air Force in July 1998. His assignments include Randolph AFB, Texas, Al Udeid AB, Qatar, Lackland AFB, Texas, Eielson AFB, Alaska, Wright- Patterson AFB, Ohio, and Scott AFB, Ill. He has served as a Vehicle Operator, Computer Operator, Communications Planner and Cyberspace Superintendent. In addition, he is a graduate of the Enlisted-to-AFIT program. Prior to assuming his current position, he served as the Superintendent, Air Force Network Integration Center, Scott AFB Ill.

In 2007, he earned an Associate of Science in Information Systems Management, Community College of the Air Force 2009 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education Correspondence Course, and in 2010, he received a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management, American Military University 2011 Inspector General Training Course, Lansdowne, Va.

He went on to earn a Master of Science in Information Resource Management fro the Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright.

His awards include: Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf cluster; the Joint Service Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster; the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster; and Air Force Achievement Medal.

Other achievements include: Air Education and Training Command in 2001; Transportation Airman of the Year Distinguished Graduate in 2001; Computer Operator Appreciate Course; Air Force ISR Agency, A6 Noncommissioned Officer of the Year in 2007; 354th Communications Squadron, Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year in 2009; Honors Graduate, American Military University in 2010; 11th Air Force, Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year in 2010; Distinguished Graduate, Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy in 2012; and Air University, Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year in 2013.