JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame has announced it 2024 class.
The Hall of Fame announced in a news release on its Facebook page: “We are proud to announce the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame 2024 inductees. Inductees require a Missouri connection, honorable military service, and must have contributed exceptionally to the community, the state and/or the nation. Six veterans will be inducted this year, plus one honorary inductee. All exemplify the spirit, character, and commitment of our Missouri Veterans.”
The 2024 Class inductees are:
William “Duane” Benton, Kansas City, Missouri.
Duane Benton served in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserve as a Judge Advocate General from 1972 to 2002. On active duty he served in Vietnam, New London, Great Lakes and Memphis. Duane is very active with Rotary and Rotary International as well as the VFW and The American Legion. For the past 30 years, Duane has been the State Chair of the Legion’s Oratorical Contest. Through his leadership of this program, he has developed one of the best oratorical programs in the Legion, producing three National Champions.
John W. Clark, Columbia, Missouri.
John Clark graduated from Air Force ROTC at the University of Missouri and received his Commission after completing a degree in mechanical engineering. He flew C-131 aeromedical evacuation aircraft and RF-4C tactical reconnaissance missions. John was shot down over North Vietnam, was captured and spent six years as a POW in North Vietnam until released in 1973. He has been active in The American Ex-Prisoners of War organization and is an active member Mid-Missouri Chapter of MOAA. John speaks to numerous organizations around the State and country about his experiences.
Teddy Lee Donaldson, Joplin, Missouri.
Teddy Donaldson served over 32 years on active duty and in the reserves of the US Air Force as a Flight Engineer, accumulating over 6000 flying hours, including over 500 hours of combat missions during Desert Storm, OEF and OIF. He co-founded Compass Quest Veterans Advocacy Group in Joplin which serves Veterans and their families and connects them to a variety of services and support networks in the region. Teddy serves as the Development Director for Heartland Canines for Veterans and his service dog, Mya, came from this program. He is a lifetime member of the VFW.
Wayne P. Kaufman, St. Louis, Missouri.
Wayne Kaufman served in the Army from 1968 to 1971. While in Vietnam, he was promoted to sergeant in the 25th Infantry Division, earning the Bronze Star Medal. Wayne started The Kaufman Fund Helping Veterans in memory of his brother Ralph in 1990. The Kaufman Fund collaborates to assist Veterans in need through its own programs and by networking with other service organizations. The Kaufman Fund provides referral programs to assist with dental, legal, mental health, and chiropractic needs.
Terry A. Sullentrup, Washington, Missouri.
Terry Sullentrup entered service in the US Army in 1970. He served as a bulldozer operator with the 39th Engineering Battalion, separating in 1972. He served as a volunteer firefighter for 53 years with the Washington Fire Department where he was twice recognized as Firefighter of the Year. Terry was an active member of VFW Post 2661, American Legion Post 218, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1028. Terry served on the Board of Directors of the Franklin County Honor Flight. He was Co-Chair for the successful effort to bring the Vietnam Moving Wall to Washington, Missouri in 2013. Terry died in 2023.
James Seymour Whitfield, Warrensburg, Missouri. Jim Whitfield was a US Navy World War II veteran who served as Quartermaster aboard the USS General George O. Squier, a troop transport ship, and the USS Redfish, a Balao-class submarine. He was a lifetime member of the Warrensburg VFW Post 2513 and American Legion Post 131. Jim spent 57 years serving in multiple positions at the Missouri Boys State. Jim served as the first Chair of the Missouri Veterans Commission and led the expansion of the Veterans State Homes and the establishment of the State Veterans Cemetery system.
General Omar Bradley, Clark and Moberly, Missouri.
General Bradley served in the US Army from 1915 to 1953. He rose to fame through exceptional leadership in World War II, and subsequently became the first chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1948 and the first Chair of the NATO Military Committee in 1949.
Congrats to all the Inductees! We invite you to attend the Induction ceremony at 2 p.m. October 25, 2024, at the Missouri State Capitol Rotunda in Jefferson City where you can learn more about the contributions these Veterans have made.
For more information about the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame go to the website: www.mvhof.org