Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder Press Releases
July 24, 2012
Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder presents Veterans Service Award to Walter "Stormy" Crawford of Ste. Genevieve
FENTON – Missouri Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder on Monday (July 23) presented Walter “Stormy” Crawford of Ste. Genevieve with the Lieutenant Governor’s Veterans Service Award in recognition of his tireless volunteerism in Missouri and the Ste. Genevieve area.
Lt. Governor Kinder made the presentation at the Maritz Motivation building in Fenton, which is near Craword's World Bird Sanctuary.
Crawford is a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War. He was nominated for the award by Betty Arnold of Ste. Genevieve.
"As a young man, Walter Crawford served his nation in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and like many of Missouri's veterans he service didn't end when his hitch in the Army was over," Kinder said. "A member of the VFW and the American Legion posts in Ste. Genevieve and Vietnam Veterans of America in St. Louis, Walt participates in too many veterans' events to count, representing veterans and speaking on their behalf often with his beloved eagles."
Since returning from his service in Vietnam, Crawford has continued to be a staunch advocate for veterans and veterans' issues. He founded the World Bird Sanctuary near Fenton, and he uses his connection with eagles to teach school children and other groups about the sacrifices our nation's men and women in uniform make for our sake.
Crawford brought some of his cherished birds to the award ceremony at Maritz on Monday. As director of the World Bird Sanctuary, Crawford has become an icon, appearing with his eagles on local and St. Louis media for Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day, Kinder said.
"Walt never misses an opportunity to tell of the brave heroes who have served their nation and risked all to protect our freedom," he added. "He continuously advocates for legislation to provide all veterans the care they were promised when they committed to serve."
Kinder received 140 nominations for the award, which recognizes Missouri veterans who provide exemplary volunteer service to their communities. Crawford 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 Jefferson City," 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."
NOTE: For photo(s), please credit: Thomas Rollins Photography
