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Building roads and bonds: How a combat engineer continues to serve his hometown
SIKESTON — Iraqi War Veteran and Combat Engineer Tommy Staggs, a native of Sikeston has dedicated much of his life to service, both in the military and his local community.
His journey began in 1980 when he joined the Missouri National Guard inspired by his uncle, Danny Staggs, a Vietnam veteran. Over the next 27 years, Staggs served in various capacities, including tours in Panama, Honduras, Guatemala and Iraq before retiring in 2007.
Building Roads and Friendships
As a member of the 1140th Engineer Battalion, Staggs and his unit were responsible for constructing roads and infrastructure as well as building schools and medical structures in countries like Panama and Honduras.
“We would do road work in Panama and Honduras, cutting roads through mountains,” Staggs recalled. These experiences not only allowed him to see parts of the world that many never would but also to witness firsthand the struggles of people in Third World countries.
Staggs’ deployments typically lasted 15 to 20 days, though some of his fellow servicemen were required to stay for six months at a time. Throughout his military career, Staggs was surrounded by Vietnam veterans, whose knowledge and camaraderie left a lasting impact on him.
“These guys were full of knowledge and came to be good friends,” he said, emphasizing the importance of the bonds formed during his service.
Living conditions
Staggs’ wife, FeRonda, made him scrapbooks full of photographs and documents detailing his military service. Staggs said he looks through them from time to time.
During one of his tours, Staggs was stationed in Nasiriyah, Iraq, in 2004-2005, Staggs said as he came across photos from that time period.
“Our battalion was scattered, but our hub area was in Nasiriyah,” he said. ‘This is where the 1140th was. That was our base, our main base camp. We did have some of us up around Fallujah and in different areas.”
Staggs recalled living in a 20-by-40-foot tent.
“Over there, it would get anywhere from like 125 to 130 degrees every day, but it was a dry heat. Then when you came into the tent, it would be 85 degrees, and you were in the hog heaven,” Staggs said as he looked at pictures in his scrapbook.
Inside the tents were wood trunk beds, he recalled.
“We built our own little tables and stuff to make it more like home because it is your home for a while,” Staggs said. “What would happen is our families would send us things over like a little crock pot or coffee pot or something. Well, we’d make our own little kitchen out of it.”
Staggs’ wife even sent them an ice cream maker during one of his tours.
“Every so often, she’d send the ice cream packets, and we’d make homemade ice cream and sit around and watch TV (on their off-duty time)” Staggs recalled. “I think we had like three channels, but it was better than nothing.”
Staggs often used his electrical background to help out on the base with any needed maintenance. For example, the large tents were run off big generators which provided all the power for the base.
“Those generators used 2,500 gallons of diesel. They pulled in a 2,500-gallon diesel truck like you see at a gas station every day,” Staggs said.
A New Chapter with
the American Legion
Upon retiring from the military, Staggs continued his commitment to service by joining the American Legion Post 114 in Sikeston around 2003. The Legion, which boasts a strong membership of 203 men, organizes various fundraisers throughout the year, including the annual Cotton Carnival, fish sandwich Fridays during Lent and the barbecue cookoff/poker run in the spring. These events not only foster community spirit but also raise funds for scholarships and local donations.
Staggs, now 64, currently serves as the first vice commander of the Legion. He values the fellowship and socialization the organization provides, having known many of its members, including the current commander, Frankie Adams, with whom he served.
“The Legion is a good place. I’ve learned something every year. It’s come a long way,” Staggs remarked, noting recent updates to the Legion building, such as a new pavilion and flooring. He and Adams also recently installed a new digital sign in front of the Legion building.
For those interested in joining the Legion, Staggs said that there are several membership options, including the Sons of the American Legion and the Auxiliary for relatives of veterans. Membership applications are available for those who wish to become part of this supportive community.
Staggs’ life of service, both in the military and through the American Legion, reflects his dedication to his country and community. His story is a testament to the enduring impact of camaraderie and the importance of giving back.
“I enjoyed my time of service,” Staggs said. “I enjoy what I do here at the Legion.”
To learn more about Sikeston American Legion Post 114, call ( 573) 471-9956, or stop by the Post at 333 S. Kingshighway in Sikeston; or visit the Post’s official website: https://www.sikestonamericanlegion.com.
Artificial Intelligence was used to generate this article.