Nomination by Richard E. Nelson III Col USAF (Ret) President - Department of Missouri.

“I proudly nominate Richard L. Kallemeier. Dick, a 50+ year member, has served ROA and Missouri (MOROA) in many roles - National Councilman, Department President, Chapter Officer, a longtime member of the ROA Communications Committee, and currently as MOROA's longtime Secretary and its award-winning newsletter editor. His tireless and efficient efforts are the essential glue for the operation of the Department.”

Clifton Truman Daniel (above left), grandson of President Harry S. Truman, poses with Maj. Gen. Evan "Curly" Hultman during a recent event at Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum in Waterloo, Iowa.

Clifton Truman Daniel’s presentation at ROA’s Centennial Convention banquet in the fall of 2022 inspired Maj. Gen. Evan "Curly" Hultman to recommend Daniel to visit the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum in his hometown of Waterloo, Iowa.

Daniel is the oldest grandson of President Harry S. Truman and his wife, Bess. Truman was the president who signed ROA's Congressional Charter in June of 1950.

His appearance at ROA's centennial came about fortuitously, as Daniel was in Washington, D.C. for the installation of his grandfather's statue in the Capitol Rotunda during the week of ROA's Centennial Convention.

He even presented ROA's distinguished Truman Award to past ROA President Judi Davenport and past Dept. of Tenn. President John Davenport -- a first for this award to be presented to a couple, and by a Truman family member.

In his keynote address, Daniel spoke about the military life of his grandfather; however in his appearance at Waterloo, he spoke about what it was like growing up with a grandfather in the White House, especially during WWII.

Thanks to the initiative of former ROA President and Executive Director Hultman, the Truman Legacy lives on -- especially at our ROA Headquarters on Capitol Hill where we carry out our chartered mission "to support and assist in the development and execution of a military policy for the United States which shall provide adequate National Defense."

Colonel Nelson, a lifelong ROA leader, and 30-year Air Force veteran, died on April 23, 2022, in his home. He was buried with full military honors in Lakeview Cemetery, Fleming, N.Y. At the time of his death, he was serving as president of ROA Missouri Fighter Wing Chapter 442 at Whiteman Air Force Base, MO; he had been a member of the chapter since 1973. The following is the Faces of ROA entry he submitted before he passed.

Describe why you are proud to be an ROA member.

“ROA's volunteers, for almost 100 years, have uniquely and effectively supported our Reserve Forces. By continually championing for their equitable treatment, ROA has greatly increased the Reserves' capabilities in its vital role as an essential Operational Partner in DOD's Total Forces' defense of our Nation.”

Describe how ROA has benefitted you in your military career.

“Procuring similar benefits enjoyed by our Active Duty partners: career advancement opportunities; funding for more parts, newer equipment, and upgraded facilities; exchange and commissary privileges; more inactive duty training periods that also counted toward retirement pay; Tricare for Life medical, to name a few. ROA helped provide a proud atmosphere in which to serve."

Describe why you are proud to be an ROA member.

“As a life member of the ROA for 20 (30?) years, the people I have encountered in the organization have all been class acts. The organization looks after both its members and ROA.”

Describe how ROA has benefitted you in your military career.

“The organization has created life-long relationships that exist still to this day. Many of those assisted in my next career as a writer, offering suggestions and recommendations as I travel that road.”