This year's keynote speaker will be Alan Hedrick, local businessman owner and veteran who served as a member of the Missouri Army National Guard in Kuwait during the Gulf War.
Russell Alan Hedrick was born in October of 1963 and raised in a small farming community of Parma, Missouri. In 1970, his family moved our community and he attended Dexter Public Schools. He was multi-sport athlete, a slightly above average student and a graduate of Dexter High School in 1982.
Alan was a gypsy during his college days. As a scholarship athlete at Pittsburg State University, Alan pursued his sports passion as a tight end on the PSU Gorilla’s Football team. After one fall season, he transferred to the University of Missouri-Columbia to walk-on the Missouri Tigers Football program. An injury in the summer of 1984 sidelined Hedrick, who then transferred to Missouri State University to complete his BS degree in Agriculture Business.
With a dedication to civic involvement, Alan made a career decision to join the County Wide Insurance Agency team as a sales producer in December of 1989. He achieved notable success as a sales producer for the agency, in spite of a five-month absence from County Wide in late 1991 when he served with the 1221st Transportation Unit of the Missouri Army National Guard in Kuwait during the Gulf War.
Hedrick has continued to serve others through his church, community and insurance affiliations. Alan’s virtues and commitments to work fall secondary to his dedication to his faith and his family. He has been married to his wife, Tracy Hedrick, for 26 years. They have two son’s, Zach Hedrick and Morgan Hedrick.
Also presenting during the observance will be Boy Scout Troop 200 who will serve as the Color Guard for the ceremony and Rev. Roy Sherfield will perform the invocation.
Alexis Smith, president of the Dexter High School student body will welcome the audience and will lead in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Dexter High School band under the direction of Scott Rybolt will provide the music.
Thomas Sharp, Dexter Public School Superintendent, will present a wreath to be placed at the Sisler-Eskew Memorial marker at Dexter City Hall.
The public is encouraged to attend the annual Veterans Day observance. The entire Dexter Public Schools student body from kindergarten through seniors will be in attendance. Please join them in honoring our veterans on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Bearcat Event Center. It's free and open to the public!
Photo taken at the Stoddard County Fair Parade 2014.
