Military veterans, students honored at tea

By Kathy Feist, Photos courtesy Dusty Jones

The Little Blue River Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored several outstanding local citizens and students at their annual Sue Foley Tea and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, March 14, at the VFW Post 8220 in Belton. 

After the Presentation of Colors by the Western District’s Sons of the American Revolution, Regent Vera Glenn led the awards ceremony. 

Gregory Allen Smith was recognized for his selection as the State DAR Society’s November selection for Patriot of the Month. Smith served in the US Army from 1989-92 fighting in Iraq during Desert Storm. He received multiple awards for his service including two Bronze Service Awards. Smith joined the ROTC while attending Central Missouri State where he majored in criminal justice. After the military he followed a career in the police force, retiring as Master Sergeant for the Grandview Police Department in 2021. Smith contracted lymph node and skin cancer as a result of his fighting in Iraq as well as PTSD. He is an active supporter of PTSD therapy and cancer awareness.  Smith was awarded with the Quilt of Valor from the Little Blue River chapter.  

Vietnam veteran James Rackleff was given the Vietnam Veterans Award. Having served in the US Army from 1967-1970. Rackleff received the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal during his duty overseas. Rackleff is a Native American member of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation of Northeast Oklahoma. After the war, Rackleff was employed at the US Marine Corps and Department of Defense after receiving a degree in mathematics. 

DAR member Jackie Laughlin Kreisel received the DAR Community Service Award. Kreisel has been an active volunteer in various Belton organizations since her retirement in 2013 from Haas & Wilkerson Insurance Agency.  

The Good Citizens Awards went to students showing extraordinary volunteer service to the community while maintaining high grades. They included Leysis Buckle (Center High School), Marlee Rush (Center), Chiann Dawkins (Grandview), Tehzeeb Ali (Ruskin), Obinna Idika (Ruskin), Ivan Rodelo (Ruskin), Desmond James Walker III (Ruskin). 

The Youth Leadership Medals went to students showing honor, courage, leadership and patriotism.  Those students included Cherish Wiley, Raelynn Crockett, Allison Rake, Mia Miller, Gisele Smith-Arceneaux and LaNya Williams. 

Tea and cookies were enjoyed by all following the awards ceremony. 

 For information regarding becoming a member of DAR, contact Vera Glenn, Regent of the Little Blue River Chapter at godschild@currently.com