Jerry Hotop

Southeast Missouri has many notable leaders from all sectors of our communities, and it's always nice when the rest of the nation recognizes one of our own.

Perryville resident Jerry Hotop was recently named national commander of AMVETS (American Veterans), one of the country's largest veterans service organizations. Hotop was selected last month by over 650 AMVETS members at the 2010 national convention in Louisville, Ky.

AMVETS was founded in 1944 and provides support for veterans and active military personnel in procuring government entitlements. As one of the largest congressionally chartered veterans' service organizations in the country, the organization has members from each branch of the military, the National Guard and the Reserves.

As the national commander, Hotop will direct the operations of the organization. He will be responsible for serving as the organization's spokesman in Washington, D.C., as well as serving as the group's ambassador both nationally and abroad.

Hotop, a veteran of both the Army and Navy, will represent the organization well. Congratulations to an American hero from Southeast Missouri. And a special thanks to all our veterans. You are greatly appreciated.