State of Missouri Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder Press Releases

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder Press Releases

July 16, 2012

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder presents Veterans Service Award to Richard Cornwell of Cape Girardeau

CAPE GIRARDEAU – Missouri Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder today (Monday, July 16) presented Richard Cornwell of Cape Girardeau with the Lieutenant Governor's Veterans Service Award in recognition of his tireless volunteerism in the Cape Girardeau area.

Lt. Governor Kinder made the presentation at Southeast Hospital, where Cornwell has logged more than 4,000 hours since he began volunteering there, four years ago. He was nominated for the award by Southeast Health Auxiliary.

“As a young man, Richard Cornwell served his nation in the Marine Corps and U.S. Navy, and like many of Missouri’s veterans, his service didn’t end when his hitch was over,” Kinder said. “Instead, Richard has continued to serve Missouri and the Cape Girardeau area, giving back to his community through countless hours of volunteer service.”

Kinder said Cornwell transports patients in Southeast’s imaging department.

“He also goes to the hospital chapel each morning to pray for the patients, his colleagues at the hospital, those who will have surgery that day and for the doctors performing the surgeries,” Kinder said. “As Richard says, ‘It’s always good to have God on your side.

“By doing the Lord’s work so faithfully at Southeast Hospital, he truly has a positive impact on the patients and their families.”

Kinder received 140 nominations for the award, which recognizes Missouri veterans who provide exemplary volunteer service to their communities. Cornwell received an official declaration from the lieutenant governor’s office recognizing his service.

“The same strong sense of duty and patriotism you showed in your service to your nation, you now show in your commitment to Cape Girardeau and the patients at Southeast Hospital,” Kinder said. “(This award) is just one small way our state can say, ‘Thank you’ to our veterans and honor the sacrifices they continue to make for their communities and their state.”