Robert Spencer, of Mokane, has been volunteering and helping others in the community for more than 30 years.
"Mokane has a community of good people," Spencer aid. "I think a lot of them."
Missouri Lt. Governor Peter Kinder recently recognized Spencer, along with 24 others, with the Lieutenant Governor's Senior Service Award. Spencer is quick to point out that he is not alone at the events and organizations he assists during the year.
"It's the work of a lot of people, not just me," Spencer said.
Taking time to help others is important, Spencer said. He added that when people see others volunteering and helping each other, it encourages them to also help in the community. And, when residents become involved in even small activities like picking up litter or weeding at a park, Spencer said they tend to take better care of the community in which they live.
Sen. Jeanie Riddle, R-Mokane, nominated Spencer for the award. According to a press release from Kinder's office, her nomination highlighted Spencer's work to improve the Mokane Veterans' Memorial as well as annual events at which Spencer always volunteers his time.
"Robert Spencer is a popular and well-known member of the Callaway County community due to his support of his fellow veterans in the area and his dedication to the local community," Riddle's nomination stated, according to the press release. "I can think of no one else who is more deserving of this award from my community."
Spencer, a veteran, helps multiple veterans' organizations in Mid-Missouri. Regarding the Veterans' Memorial project, he said the memorial will honor all veterans, but it will have a special recognition for veterans from the Mokane area.
"We're working at the present on this memorial," Spencer said. "It recognizes Mokane veterans and gives them a special place."
Having a memorial for Mokane residents to see veterans from their community honored is important, Spencer said.
Lately, Spencer has focused his volunteer efforts and time on veteran-related activities. However, Spencer said he still assists the Mokane Lions Club and helps at other annual community events. He also said he helps individuals in the community how he can, when he can.
"It's an awful good feeling to hep other people," Spencer said.
Another motivation behind Spencer's volunteer work is his desire to set a good example for his family. Spencer described his family as a "volunteering family." His two daughters grew up with volunteering, he said. Spencer, his wife and their daughters often help at community events together.
While Spencer said helping others isn't about the recognition, he added that it was nice to be recognized. Kinder presented awards to the 25 recognized with the Senior Service Award after a luncheon at the state capitol earlier this month. At the presentation, Kinder thanked them all for the positive impact they have on their communities.
"All of these winners inspire the people in their sphere of influence. Each of you has had a positive impact, and your unselfishness has touched countless people in your communities," Kinder stated in the press release.
What Spencer said he enjoyed most about the recognition was getting to meet the other 24 Missourians who received the award. Spencer said he was proud to hear about how others are helping their communities.
"It was awful nice to know that there's other people doing the same thing," Spencer said. "It means a lot when you get to sit down and listen to someone else get recognition and hear what they've done to get their recognition."
Hearing what positive actions others have taken in their communities, he said, can be an inspiration for people who already volunteer to help their communities in new ways.