JEFFERSON CITY – The Board of the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame is proud to announce the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame 2026 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 2026 Class inductees are:
Shaun C. Broeker, St. Louis, MO: Shaun C. Broeker served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 2006 to 2012, deploying to Iraq in 2009 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following military service, he built a successful legal career in the St. Louis area while increasingly focusing on what he could do to support veterans and Missouri’s military and defense community. His efforts have centered on strengthening connections between veterans, business, government and local communities.
Richard C. Harding, Columbia, MO: Richard C. Harding served 34 years in the Air Force, including key roles at U.S. Strategic Command on 9/11, leading postattack targeting efforts against alQaeda and the Taliban. His Air Force career culminated as the 16th Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Air Force. Upon retiring, he focused on veterans in the areas of housing, education and legal issues concerning discharge upgrades and support of crime victims.
Charles E. Kruse, Dexter, MO: Charles “Charlie” E. Kruse served 26 years in the Missouri Army National Guard. He was Company Commander of his hometown unit in Dexter and was later selected to command the main support battalion of the 35th Infantry Division when it was reactivated. Charlie has been a strong advocate on behalf of Missouri farmers and served as Director of Agriculture and as President of the Missouri Farm Bureau.
Todd Nicely, Imperial, MO: Todd Nicely of Imperial, Missouri, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2007 and separated in 2011. He served as an infantry squad leader in both Iraq and Afghanistan. While returning from a security patrol in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, he stepped on a pressure plate mine and lost all four limbs. Todd now uses his experience to support and encourage others, raising awareness locally and nationally for wounded warriors and veteran mental health.
David R. Russell, Columbia, MO: David R. Russell was commissioned in the US Army in 1969 and served honorably for 22 years, including two tours in the Republic of Vietnam and command and staff roles in infantry operations, personnel management, and public affairs. After retiring in 1991, he served for over 30 years in higher education, launching Preparing Missourians to Succeed, a statewide blueprint for improving college completion, affordability, and workforce alignment.
Edward F. Ucinski, Sr., Fenton, MO: Edward F. Ucinski, Sr., enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from November 1943 to October 1945 as a BAR gunner with the 39th Infantry. He landed in Normandy and fought his way across Europe where he was captured at Bastogne. Ed was a founding member of the St. Louis Area Chapter of American Ex-Prisoners of War which helped introduce legislation to help former POWs. He was a dedicated leader with the Boy Scouts and The American Legion.
Our Honorary Inductee is Stan Musial:
Stan Musial enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1945, during the height of World War II. He went to basic training at Bainbridge Naval Training Center in Maryland and was assigned to a ship repair unit in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Musial’s military service lasted until March 1946. Upon separation, he returned to the St Louis Cardinals and resumed his professional baseball career life. His service contributed to his reputation as both a national hero and a beloved sports figure.
Congrats to all the Inductees! I invite you to attend the Induction ceremony at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, 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 and past inductees go to the website: www.mvhof.org.