Award nominees live patriotism

The Southeast Missourian introduced the Spirit of America award in 2003. The award is presented to the person who best represents the spirit of this great nation.

The first winner was John "Doc" Yallaly of Cape Girardeau. Yallaly was nominated by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 63.

Several organizations made nominations for this year's award, and the selection process wasn't an easy one. The nominees are all making contributions to their communities and thus demonstrate the spirit that makes America what it is.

The organization that nominates the winner receives $1,000 toward their charitable activities. The winner will be announced in Sunday's Southeast Missourian. The winner also will be presented a trophy on the event stage at 9 p.m. Sunday during Libertyfest activities in downtown Cape Girardeau.

The nominees are:

David Butler, Cape Girardeau

Butler was nominated by Shepherd's Cove Children's Home. The nomination reads, in part:

"Originally from Sikeston, he became the senior pastor of Abundant Life Church in January 1993 and has served since then in that capacity. During this time, he established a local food pantry, and today it serves over 30 families per month with food and household items. In addition, at least eight vehicles have been given to needy families.

"He is also the president of Shepherd's Cove Children's Home, founded by him and opened Dec. 15, 1997. This was done as he is committed to helping foster-care children, since the need is great and is growing. The current plan is to open another such facility as soon as it is financially feasible. The current facility has served over 100 children since its opening and the mission is to let children from less than advantageous circumstances see that there is love in the world, and at the home, they find it expressed."

Butler was a graduate of Leadership Cape in 2000 and Leadership Missouri in 2002. He is a current member of the chambers of commerce of Jackson and Cape Girardeau.

Larry Dunger, Scott City

Dunger was nominated by the United Way of Southeast Missouri. The nomination reads, in part:

"America is a great land because of people like Larry, who accepts the responsibility of being a good citizen. Informed and caring, he works to improve the lives of those who share his world through volunteer work like Meals on Wheels. Retired from day-to-day business, Larry is generous with his time and talents achieved in the business world and helps local businesses and organizations by serving on boards and committees.

"Quick to acknowledge he has a blessed life, Larry is quicker yet to acknowledge who is responsible. His faith is strong and the foundation upon which his life is built. He is loyal to his God and all that he believes.

"And the thing he believes most in is family. When he speaks of his wife of 44 years, one gets the impression that they have recently wed -- his devotion shines in his eyes. His children and grandchildren are just as important to him. When asked about his interests, he lists responses common to many Americans -- traveling, reading, air shows, Southeast basketball and church activities. But his top interest is his family, including grandpa privileges."

Dunger is a retired executive of RB Potashnick, General Contractors and attended Southeast Missouri State University. He is vice president of the board of directors for the United Way of Southeast Missouri, a member of President's Council of the University Foundation for Southeast Missouri State University and is a Trustee for the Cape Girardeau Country Club.

Neal Edwards, Cape Girardeau

Edwards was nominated by the Missouri Veterans Home. The nomination reads, in part:

"Neal Edwards learned early to be patriotic and loyal to America. In the Air Corps in World War II he served on jungle air bases in the China-Burma-India Campaign, where his outfit regularly came under attack by air and artillery.

"He is charter member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, serving in leadership, membership and fund-raising capacities, as he has in the Exchange Club, Elks Lodge 639 and the Southeast Booster Club, where he often was lead recruiter for new members. Neal also was active in recruiting new members for the chamber of commerce.

"In 1997 Neal started the Annual Veterans Home Flag Day Golf Tournament to help build a Perpetual Trust so interest from the fund can replace donations now mostly from veterans groups made up mostly of World War II-era members.

"Counting past fund-raising efforts and new membership dues generated, it is not a stretch to say that, in today's dollars, Neal Edwards' personal effort has accounted for around a million dollars raised for outstanding causes."

Jim Watkins, Cape Girardeau

Watkins was nominated by the American Red Cross Southeast Missouri Chapter. The nomination reads, in part:

"Jim is the Success By 6 Coordinator for Southeast Missouri. He has remained dedicated to the program's goal to ensure 'that all children in the Cape Girardeau area are safe, healthy, well cared for and have received the necessary tools to allow them to enter school ready to succeed at their optimum potential.'

"In working toward helping children receive better preparation for school, he also has worked with Boost America, Bootheel Food Bank of Southeast Missouri, Early Childhood Transition Team, the Headstart/Early Headstart Policy Council of East Missouri Action Agency, Community Caring Council's Children and Youth Committee, Child Care Resource and Referral Missouri State Advisory Board and TEACH Missouri State Leadership Team.

"Not only is Jim dedicated to Southeast Missouri's youth, but also to the community as a whole. He focuses on making the community safer and helping individuals when emergencies strike. He volunteers with the Safe Kids Coalition, United Way, American Red Cross, Community Emergency Response Team, Cape County Emergency Management Advisory/Citizen Corps, Community Organizations After Disaster and First Call for HELP Advisory Board."

Whitney Weeks, Chesterfield, Mo.

Weeks was nominated by Jacksonian Charter Chapter American Business Women's Association. The nomination reads, in part:

"She personally sent over 500 letters of appreciation to veterans and received many emotional responses, which she recently compiled in a book, 'They Made a Difference.'

"Whitney developed the TAPPS (To Appreciate Past and Present Soldiers) program for elementary students to increase their awareness of the sacrifices made by the military to preserve our freedom. She also promoted the USO's campaign to send cameras to soldiers serving overseas, with the first photo frame being a picture of the class holding a sign of encouragement.

"Whitney has carried out her veterans appreciation and awareness activities while obtaining a marketing degree from Purdue University. She was recently selected as Miss Missouri 2005 and will represent our state in the Miss America Scholarship Program. She has chosen Military Awareness and Appreciation: Past and Present as her platform to promote during her year of service.

"For the next year she will be making statewide appearances as Miss Missouri and promoting her Military Appreciation and Awareness platform. In addition, during the next three months, she will be making extensive preparations for the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City."

Linda Puchbauer, Jackson

Puchbauer was nominated by Cape West Rotary. She also was nominated previously for this award.

The nomination reads, in part:

"Linda's volunteering in her community is never ending. She is caring, always giving of herself and continuously demonstrates her leadership abilities. She is the person who always says yes when asked to head a committee or do any task in Rotary, community and church.

"Linda serves Rotary in many ways. She has served as an ambassador of America, as a team representative of a Group Study Exchange in the country of England. She has served as hostess for GSE team members from England, Brazil, Denmark, South Africa and Italy. She believes fully and works hard in the Four Avenues of Service: vocational, club, community and international service. Linda exemplifies the Rotary motto, 'Service above Self.'

"For many years Linda has devoted her time to her church and the community she lives in. She gives her time, knowledge and creativity to others in a cheerful manner. Linda has two mottos: 'Live life to its fullest' and 'Give back to the community that raised you.'"

Puchbauer is an entrepreneur and is a member of First Baptist Church in Jackson, Cape West Rotary, the Community Counseling Center Foundation, Jackson Chamber of Commerce, Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce and the MDA Telethon.

Dr. Dan B. Cotner, Cape Girardeau

Cotner was nominated by the Cape Girardeau Rotary Club. The nomination reads, in part:

Dr. Dan B. Cotner ... "embodies the values and character that have made this nation great.

"Dr. Dan Cotner is multifaceted, energetic, open to new opportunities, unselfish and always passionate about issues that will improve our community, nation and world.

"Dr. Dan Cotner has spent his life sharing his talents and skills with his family, friends and community. He has also provided dental services to people all over the world through 17 Rotarian or religious medical missions. Dr. Cotner modestly takes no credit or praise for the work he has done.

"Dr. Cotner's career is dentistry, but he is known for his musical abilities as well. Dr. Cotner's gift of music has been shared with community organizations and causes over the years. Luncheons, dinners, benefits, meetings -- all have been graced by Dr. Cotner's music.

"Dr. Cotner is an ambassador for this city, the university, the public school system and basically everything having to do with Cape Girardeau. He is fiercely proud of his wife Polly and their four children."

Cotner has been the Westminster Presbyterian Church organist for 39 years, served in the Army in World War II and U.S. Air Force in the Korean War, and is a member of the Cape Girardeau Rotary Club and Cape Municipal Band.

James Harnes Sr., Advance

Harnes was nominated by Stoddard County Industrial Development Association. He also was nominated previously for this award.

The nomination letter reads, in part:

"Jim Harnes is the Spirit of America. Patriotism plays a large role in Jim's life. He distinguished himself in service to his country during World War II. He earned many citations during that time. Over the past 60 years, he has been a champion of American service men and women, always pursuing any opportunity to benefit or give recognition to his fellow veterans while seeking no glory for himself.

"He has served as mayor of Advance since 1965, giving unselfishly of his time and knowledge for the betterment of his community. Through his initiation of visioning and planning sessions in the city, the Advance Community Team has evolved. From this vision and work, a new public library will be opening soon in Advance.

"Jim has a natural leadership ability. He has been active in the local school system and during his tenure as a board member for the Cross Trails Medical Center, he has benefited rural communities by assisting them with needed medical facilities. He also serves as active board member of the Stoddard County Development Foundation, not only helping Advance, but all of Stoddard County, by promoting economic development and growth."

Harnes enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940 as an infantryman and retired from the Missouri National Guard in 1980. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart with a bronze cluster and many other service and campaign medals. He is a member of First Baptist Church of Advance, Advance Public Schools Foundation, treasurer of Cross Trails Medical Center Board, a volunteer at Cape Girardeau Veterans Home and board member of the State Veterans Cemetery of Stoddard County.