World War II veteran Dale Vaughn shook the hand of Maj. Jeff Klosterman Tuesday night at the conclusion of the 95th annual Veteran's Day Banquet.
Vaughn thanked Klosterman - who was the guest speaker for the event - for his words and, as Vaughn said, "spreading the light and refreshing the memories" of those in attendance. Vaughn was one of many at the banquet who've made sacrifices protecting U.S. freedoms and connected with Klosterman for the shared experience.
Person after person and veteran after veteran gave gratitude to Klosterman inside the Callaway Senior Center before and after the turkey and mashed potatoes meal.
"Thank you for your support," Klosterman said as he shook the hands of men and women, young and old.
While Klosterman - a Fulton native - received admiration, he gave his to the local military veterans who came before him, many of whom were sitting and watching him speak. These were the men Klosterman said he looked up to throughout his youth - veterans who "set the standard" for him. They understood the responsibility of being a veteran, he said, and that to them every day is Veterans Day.
"It's easy being a soldier, but it's hard once you take off that uniform," Klosterman said.
Klosterman graduated from Fulton High School in 1987 and went on to earn an Associate of Arts from Kemper Military Junior College. He later graduated from Westminster College and William Woods University, earning a B.A. in physical education and M.S. in athletic administration, respectively.
He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1989 and in March 2001, he went to full-time status when he accepted an assignment to the Army Forces Command Headquarters in Atlanta. Throughout his military career, Klosterman worked in the areas of electronic warfare, cyber operations, space and global missile defense capabilities.
Klosterman's traveled to Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq and Qatar during active tours, and he said it's all for the people back home.
"I serve on behalf of this community," Klosterman said.
A tough battle Klosterman faces is separation from his family, who live in Alaska. Modern technology helps fill the void when they're separated - he used Facetime to see and talk to his wife and four boys while on his way to Fulton.
His wife, Sheila, helps provide him daily inspiration, reminding him of one of his favorite Bible verses - Jeremiah 29:11: ""For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
Klosterman's military decorations include a Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal among 16 total listed on the Veteran's Day Banquet program.
"He's quite accomplished for his time in the military - something Callaway County should be proud of," David Beaver with American Legion Post 210 said, introducing Klosterman.
Beaver watched Klosterman grow up and played a role in his life as a coach. Klosterman said he and all the local boys wanted to play for Beaver's teams because those were always winning teams.
Klosterman's mother and father, Doris and William Klosterman of Fulton, and sister, Vicky Lee of Auxvasse, sat with the guest speaker at the head table. Before giving his speech, Klosterman presented flowers and gifts to his family, tears filling his eyes while doing so.
"I can't always put up a hard face," Klosterman said with a smile.
His return home was brief - Klosterman was back to work this morning. His work ethic was one of the characteristics his mother, Doris, said she admires about her son, who earned a job in high school and worked his way through college.
"I am just so proud of him," she said. "I've been so proud of him since the day he was born."