Governor Nixon Presents Three Mid-Missouri Veterans with Silver Star Banners to Honor Their Service and Sacrifice

Press Release

In a ceremony today in his Capitol office, Gov. Jay Nixon presented three military veterans from mid-Missouri from World War II, Vietnam and Operation Enduring Freedom with the Silver Star banner and certificate to honor their sacrifice. All the veterans incurred wounds, injuries or illness while serving in combat areas.

"Throughout our state's history, Missourians have demonstrated courage and self-sacrifice while serving in our nation's military," Gov. Nixon said. "These three veterans are among the many who incurred injury or illness while in harm's way, and I am pleased to help honor their service to our state and nation with this award. As we observe Silver Star Families of America Day on May 1, we are reminded of the sacrifices that our military veterans have made, and continue to make, on our behalf."

The Governor presented the Silver Star banners and certificates to Jefferson City residents:

Ralph Kalberloh, of Jefferson City, who served in the Army Air Corps during World War II;

Dewey Riehn (REEN), of Ashland, who served in the Army in Vietnam and who previously had served as a Marine; and

Shams Chughtai (SHAW-muss SHOOG-tigh), of Jefferson City, who served in the Army in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In July 2009, Gov. Nixon signed House Bill 678, which sets May 1 by statute as the annual Silver Star Families of America Day. Silver Star Families of America Day is designated as a day for honoring the wounded and ill members of the armed forces in the state of Missouri, and for recognizing the efforts of the Silver Star Families of America in honoring injured veterans across the United States.

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