By Susan Redden
sredden@joplinglobe.com
State Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, has been named Legislator of the Year by the Missouri Association of Veterans’ Organizations.
Nodler received a certificate of appreciation from MAVO officers during an awards ceremony this week in Jefferson City.
A veteran of the U.S. Army and Missouri National Guard, Nodler is the only veteran serving in the state Senate.
“I am honored to have been chosen as a recipient of this award,” Nodler said. “The men and women who have courageously served our country deserve our honor and respect. I am dedicated to making sure that Missouri remains focused on providing veterans with the services and benefits they have earned.”
Last year, the General Assembly passed legislation extending state income-tax exemptions on retirement income to all veterans. In 2008, the Legislature passed the Missouri Returning Heroes Education Act to provide discounted tuition at state universities to veterans returning from combat.
While previously serving as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Nodler worked to ensure that Missouri veterans’ homes received the funding needed to fully staff the homes, and keep up with increasing costs of food and medication. He also has been a strong supporter of Missouri Veterans’ Stories, a project that began in 2005 to videotape and archive interviews with veterans throughout the state.
Career
Nodler was elected to the Missouri Senate in 2002. He has announced plans to seek the GOP nomination for the U.S. House seat from the 7th District this year.
