Spirit of America nominees live patriotism

The Southeast Missourian introduced this year its Spirit of America Award, which will be given to the nominee who best represents the spirit of this great nation.

It is a grueling selection process, with so many in Southeast Missouri demonstrating their patriotism through their lives and activities. And the spirit of America is so many things, it is difficult to define.

The organization who nominates the winner receives $1,000 toward their charitable activities. The winner will be presented a trophy on the event stage at 9 p.m. Friday during downtown Cape Girardeau's Libertyfest activities.

John Yallaly, winner Cape Girardeau

Yallaly was nominated by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 63. In their nomination, the ladies wrote:

"We have often heard it said one person can make a difference in the world we live in, and our nominee, John 'Doc' Yallaly, is that person. John volunteers hundreds of hours each year, sharing and doing for others.

"He is an active and respected member of St. Mary's Cathedral and a 1950 graduate of Sikeston High School. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, attaining 4th Degree Knight, the highest level attainable. He assists the Knights in raising money to benefit the mentally retarded.

"John is a Korean War veteran, serving from Sept. 1, 1953, to Sept. 12, 1955, and played on the U.S. Army baseball team.

"John has accumulated 1,164 volunteer hours at the Missouri Veterans Home. ...

"He also assisted in bringing the Vietnam Moving Wall to Cape Girardeau.

"Doc has been a part of American Legion baseball since 1955, donating hundreds of hours as manager and currently serving as batting coach. ...

"John was inducted into the Southeast Missouri Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981 for his commitment to baseball in the community, high school and the U.S. Army team.

"In 1967, John played a major role in the organization of VIP Industries, which provides employment and skill training to the mentally and physically handicapped members of our society. John is a member of their board of directors and a board member of Vocational Inc. as well.

"John is a member of the Louis K. Juden Post 63 and served two consecutive terms as commander and serves on numerous committees. He is a charter member of the 40 and 8 organization, an adjunct of the American Legion."

James J. Harnes Sr., finalist Advance, Mo.

Harnes was nominated by the Stoddard County Industrial Development Authority. The nomination reads, in part:

"Jim Harnes, a human dynamo, is the personification of American spirit. He is an octogenarian, but who can tell? As an eight-year mayor, recently elected to another term, he is an aggressive and insightful leader.

"As a young man, Jim distinguished himself in service to his country during World War II ...

"He has been active in the local school system ... While serving on the Cross Trails Medical Center Board, he has benefited rural communities by assisting them with needed medical facilities ..."

Becki Sanders, finalist Cape Girardeau

Sanders was nominated by the River Heritage Quilters' Guild. Her list of activities includes the guild, several school and children's groups, including Scouts, and church activities. She helps elementary schools establish student-soldier pen pals.

A guild representative wrote, in part: "There are two fronts where we may each show our patriotism: on the military front and on the home front. Becki Sanders and her husband of 31 years, Jerry, have both fronts covered as Jerry is a lieutenant colonel in the Army National Guard stationed in Bosnia. I want to acknowledge Becki for her patriotic spirit on the home front.

"Jerry has been in Bosnia for many months, and Becki has really set an example for all of us. ...

"She has handled the separation with a smile and, while times were not without frustration or loneliness, Becki carried the load for the family, knowing that ultimately it was her way of honoring our country. ... Becki exudes a patriotic spirit and lives it out ..."

R. David Crader, finalist Perryville, Mo.

Crader was nominated by the Bank of Missouri, where he is president and CEO. He is active in Cape First Assembly, Boy Scouts, Teen Challenge, and Perryville's chamber of commerce, planning and zoning commission and development corporation. He also is a member of the American Legion and several other groups.

His nomination reads, in part: "... The American spirit is a force that motivates the strength of America in the homes, workplaces, churches and in this man, R. David Crader.

"From the beautiful fields of the farm on the banks of Crooked Creek, to the decks of the naval ship USS Constellation in the Pacific waters off the coast of Vietnam, to the halls of academia at the local Southeast Missouri State University, to the offices and lobbies of the banking institutes of Southeast Missouri, to the pews of the church, to the kitchen table of the home, Crader expresses a pride and loyalty to America ..."

Linda Puchbauer, finalist Jackson

Puchbauer was nominated by the Community Counseling Center Foundation of Cape Girardeau, where she serves on the foundation board. She recently opened a private office for Prudential Financial in Jackson. She is a Rotarian, is active in both the Jackson and Cape Girardeau chambers of commerce, raises money for Scouting, sings in the choir at First Baptist Church in Jackson. Many other organizations have benefited from her attention as well.

The nomination said of Puchbauer: "She personifies the entrepreneurial spirit and the caring for others that has always been the American way. ... She always gets the job done with dispatch and cheerfulness. She has been an outstanding citizen of our community, and I believe that she deserves this honor."

Majhon Phillips, finalist Jackson

Phillips was nominated by the American Red Cross, Southeast Missouri Chapter, where she has helped her father with the annual charity golf tournament.

Her nominates reads, in part: "... Majhon Phillips demonstrates the spirit of America through her faith, works and helping hands. Majhon is an active member of her church, First Baptist of Jackson; she has worked with many charitable organizations including the United Way, the American Red Cross, the Diabetes Association, MDA, MS and the Lutheran Family Association. As an early college entrant, Majhon is also involved with Southeast Missouri State University, where she is carrying a 4.0 GPA, along with continuing the band program at Jackson High School. ...

"Simply stated, Majhon is an excellent citizen and student. Her achievements at this young age prove that she will see success in her future.