BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- The Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield has had only one director since construction began on the cemetery in 2002 -- but that will change soon as Ken Swearengin chose to retire recently.
Swearengin told the crowd of state officials, veterans, employees and friends that his decision to retire was a difficult one, but in the end, he decided that he needed to spend more time with his family.
Swearengin was hired in 2002 to oversee construction and open a Veterans Cemetery in southeast Missouri. He was director when the first veteran was buried on Sept. 29, 2003, and has held the post as more than 3,000 veterans have been buried in the cemetery.
Swearengin has always been motivated by his desire to provide families of veterans with the dignity and respect they deserve during the loss of their loved ones, or as he calls them, "American heroes."
"I always made time to talk with the families," Swearengin told the crowd. "It is important to them."
The retirement reception was held Sept. 28, and Swearengin was emotional as he accepted the honors and praise given him from so many people who have worked with him over the years.
Larry Kay, Executive Director of the Missouri Veterans Commission, presented Swearengin with a plaque of appreciation. Billy Pat Wright, an aide with Sen. Doug Libla, presented Swearengin with a Senate Resolution recognizing his years of service at the Veterans Cemetery.
"It has been a privilege to know and work with you (Swearengin)," said Kay. "The service you have provided veterans is incredible. I don't know how we can do any better."
Kay also presented Swearengin with a piece of inscribed stone that came from the same quarry near Carthage, Mo., as the stone used to construct the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City, Mo.
Wright read from the Senate Resolution which cited Swearengin's 25 years of service to the Veterans Cemetery. Wright noted that the resolution would be inscribed as a permanent record in the Missouri Senate.
Swearengin thanked both Kay and Wright and then addressed the crowd that gathered. He said it was a difficult decision, but it was time for him to step aside. He said his dedication to veterans and the cemetery had deprived him of time to spend with his wife, children and grandchildren. He told those present that someone new would have the opportunity to build on what has preceded them and perhaps do "some things differently." He noted that a "fresh perspective" could bring added enthusiasm to the position. He also said it was comforting for him to think that his departure would leave an opening for someone new who would join the workforce.
Swearengin thanked the people from the Missouri Veterans Commission. In addition to Kay, other state officials present included Deputy Director Bryan Hunt, Executive Assistant Jill Talken, Administrative Assistant Becky Wolken and Commissioner J. Michael (Mike) Mowrer of Kennett, Mo.
Swearengin said many veterans have volunteered over the years to assist with burials at the cemetery, including American Legions and Auxiliaries, Disabled American Veterans, Honor Guards and other service groups. He noted that Honor Guards from throughout southeast Missouri provide 21-gun salutes for funerals at the cemetery. He noted that these veterans are not paid for their service, yet provide this service to the families of veterans who request it.
He told of a World War II veteran, recently deceased, who fought in many of the big battles in the Pacific, yet remained active in the Stoddard County Honor Guard at the age of 90. He said another veteran had his feet frozen in Korea, but continued his service to the country as a member of an Honor Guard. Missouri is one of few states to provide this service at no cost to the families, he said.
"I thank all of you," stated Swearengin. "It is a very important service."
Swearengin singled out Stan Baughn, Center Program Director for the Missouri Veterans Commission, for his support during his years in Bloomfield.
"He has been a rock," said Swearengin. "He was always there when he was needed."
Swearengin first started his service to the Missouri Veterans Commission in 1999 at the State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Mo. He retired as an Air Force Security Specialist and Operations Manager with the 509th Police Squadron in Knob Noster, Mo. He is a native of Kentucky.
Filling Swearengin's shoes at the cemetery will be no easy task. Still, treating the families of deceased veterans with dignity and respect will live on as lasting legacy of the cemetery's first director.