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Despite Saturday's freezing cold, more than 150 people gathered in the streets of downtown Joplin to pay tribute to the nation's military and military at the 31st annual Joplin Veterans Day parade.
Shaneika Cantrell, of Joplin, gave tonic acclaim as she enthusiastically greeted the parade participants and her youngest brother-in-law, Gary Vanbibber, who participates in the local ROTC. Gary's mother, Leighann Cantrell of Duquesne, was also present with her two grandchildren aged 3 and 6 years.
"She (Shaneika) has to give us all the energy," said Leighann Cantrell laughing. "She has enough for everyone."
Leighann said that she had brought young people with them to help them understand the importance of Veterans Day.
"We told the grandchildren that we are not here for Gary, we are here for all those who fought for our country," said Leighann Cantrell.
After the parade, Elks Lodge No. 501 hosted a BBQ lunch and resource fair for local veterans and members of the current services. Max Brown and Bob Taft played live music for the band. Some veterans danced with their loved ones.
William J. Baker III, a veteran of the Disabled Army and a member of Elks Lodge, organized this event which brought together about 75 people.
"I want veterans to feel at home and welcome," Baker said. "Let's hope that next year we will have more."
Baker had served as a staff sergeant in the Gulf War and the war in Iraq before being fired as a result of an injury. While he was in the army, he was watching the young soldiers and ensuring that all their needs were met. From time to time, said Baker, his former soldiers would contact him and he would keep in touch with many of them to this day.
"Being a staff sergeant is like being a father of many young people," Baker said. "I always get Father's Day cards from my young soldiers and I always talk to them. It's magical to get a Father's Day card or a phone call from a soldier. Now they are in their thirties, but I talk to a lot of them and give them direction. Many of these guys have never had a father figure.
Scout Troop # 39 helped veterans at lunch at Elks Lodge. Baker said they would urge veterans to cross the line and listen to their stories. Many of the veterans had been in Scouts.
"Scouts have been very well received and many veteran veterans have enjoyed seeing young people engage," Baker said.
Resource kiosks were also available to veterans, including Ozark Services and Veterans Affairs. Veteran Robert Wood served in the military as a photography specialist from 1986 to 1990 and spent most of his time at the Pentagon.
Now, Wood is working with the VA in Mount Vernon as a peer support specialist to help other veterans.
"My job is to help others define what their recovery is and then help them achieve those goals," said Wood. "While you're sitting with a therapist or doctor, they'll tell you what to do or what pills you should take."
Wood said one of the programs he was involved in was the wellness recovery action plan that helps veterans and the military recover from things like loss and trauma.
The goal of WRAP is to help the individual in the recovery process while helping him understand the steps that he can take to become the best version of himself. .
The winners of the Joplin parade
The following groups participating in the Joplin Parade were selected as recipients by a jury:
Judge's Choice – Simple Simon's.
The most patriotic – Quest Compass.
Best Performance – East Newton School District.
Best Youth – St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Overall the best of the parade – Ozark Center.
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