Congressman Ike Skelton was honored for his years of service in Congress, and his dedication to supporting the military, at the National Guard Headquarters.

Governor Nixon presented West Central Missouri Congressman Ike Skelton with the Conpicuous Service Medal. General Steve Danner and others expressed their gratitude to Skelton for making sure Missouri’s men and women in uniform were afforded the best resources possible from Washington. Skelton says he was there to express his appreciation as well.

Skelton was honored at the Ike Skelton Training Center in Jefferson City. He comments on the legacy he leaves as he prepares to finish his last term in Congress.

On speaking at a military facility that bears he name, he says “It’s quite humbling, I remember very well when I was able to secure the federal funding for the training center here, I called Gen. Keefler, and I thought Gen. Kifler was going to crawl through the phone and hug me he was so thrilled, but we made it work and I’m flattered.”

Skelton was defeated by challenger Vicky Hartzler in November. He wouldn’t comment on rumblings about him becoming the next U.S. Defense Secretary … but he did say he feels he still has much to contribute to Missouri and our nation.

“I’m not sure what I’m going to do, I want to make a contribution somewhere,” he says. “I’m not sure what it’ll be, but I want to make a contribution.”

Skelton is currently the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. He’s credited for bolstering Whiteman Airforce Base, Fort Leonard Wood and the Missouri National Guard during his tenure in Washington.

Skelton reminds our state’s men and women in uniform that they are leading the way into the future, and that it’s up to them to — as Harry Truman said — do their damdest.