Maj. Jeff Klosterman may be the special guest speaker at the 95th annual Veterans Banquet hosted by American Legion Post 210 on Tuesday night, but he doesn't plan to talk much about himself.
Klosterman, currently stationed with the U.S. Army National Guard in Huntsville, Alabama, said he has returned home to pay tribute to those who served before him.
"It's not about me, it's about this community. This banquet is for the veterans," Klosterman said. "I'm here to honor them, not me. I'm here to thank the veterans for their service."
The banquet will start at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Callaway Senior Center, located at 531 Commons Drive in Fulton. Tickets are $10 and are available by contacting Allen Nelson at (573) 642-8360, or David Beaver at (573) 642-5479.
Klosterman - a 1987 graduate of Fulton High School - earned his associate's degree from Kemper Military Junior College, his bachelor's degree from Westminster College and his master's from William Woods University before attending the U.S. Army's Command and General Staff College.
Klosterman spent 11 years serving part time in the National Guard before moving to full time in March 2010. That service has included tours of duty in Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq , Qatar, Germany and Japan. His long list of military honors include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, Army Commendation, Joint Service Achievement and National Defense Service medals to name a few.
Klosterman said he has enjoyed the many experiences military service has provided him.
"The variety of the assignments I've been able to accept, whether it was in Missouri, across the U.S. or the assignments I've racked up outside the country," he said when asked about his favorite part of being the National Guard. "I've had a huge learning experience seeing all the different cultures and climates."
Klosterman said events like the American Legion's annual Veterans Banquet are important because it gives veterans the opportunity to come together and share their experiences with others who understand what they went through. He said it allows the community to show its appreciation so the veterans "know the sacrifices they went through were not for naught."
Beaver said that is exactly why they hold the banquet every year.
"It's for the community to have a chance to get together and celebrate the freedoms they have and honor the veterans and current military that are present," Beaver said.
Beaver said he is hoping for a good turnout and invited everyone in the community to try to attend.
"Enjoy the day, and then come finish it with a good meal, and listen to a native Fultonian," he said.