Missouri Veterans Honored for Community Service

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder recently presented Veterans Service Awards to 25 Missouri veterans in recognition of their exemplary community service. Among the honored veterans was David Bircher, who I had the pleasure of nominating.

David, his wife, and his service dog, Leo, visited the Missouri Capitol on March 11 for the Lieutenant Governor’s award ceremony. I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to honor David for his courageous and generous spirit.

David, a resident of Wentzville, served in the Marine Corps for six years and completed two tours in Iraq. In 2006, he was wounded by a roadside bomb and suffered a brain injury, shoulder injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder. For two years after his injuries, he remained in the Marines as a drill instructor.

After valiantly serving our nation in the Marine Corps, David continues to serve by volunteering with the American Service Dog Association. This non-profit organization helps train and place service dogs with individuals with various physical disabilities, including spinal injuries, arthritis, and hearing loss. These service dogs are trained to help individuals gain greater independence and mobility.

Through the American Service Dog Association, David has a tremendous impact on our state. The demand for service dogs is great, and these companions can be life-changing for individuals with disabilities. David assists with fundraisers for the organization, which often include demonstrations of service dogs in action, and provides people with information about the service dogs.