St. Peters veterans advocate passes torch

By Latreecia Wade

Bill Rupp, who has spent years supporting military veterans, has decided to retire after six years as chairman of the St. Peters Veterans Commission.

Rupp will retire as of June 1.

"I’m almost 85 years old and I have taken several trips to Jefferson City," Rupp said. "I was advised by my doctor to give up on traveling. It’s time for me to step down."

     City officials honored Rupp’s years of service on Memorial Day by dedicating a cannon donated by the Plumbers & Pipefitters Union Local 562.

In 1997, Rupp, who is a retired Marine, and former Army Staff Sgt. Ray Eilmann helped build the city’s first veterans memorial. Rupp said Mayor Len Pagano, then an alderman, approached him about building the memorial. Rupp and Eilmann collected monetary donations from local businesses and even went door-to-door, he said. The men then went to work on a design for the memorial. City Administrator Bill Charnisky approved the design and searched for a location, Rupp said.

"It became a labor of love for me," Rupp said. "We try to cover all the wars and honor both men and women."

The veterans commission was established on Sept. 11, 2003. The commission is made up of 12 members who serve two year terms. Robert Reed, who served for 20 years in the Marine Corps, will take over command as the new chairman of the commission.

The commission sponsors events such as Armed Forces Day, which took place on May 16.

"(Armed Forces Day) became a staple in the county and it’s going to stay that way," Rupp said. "I leave it in Robert’s extremely capable hands."

Rupp, a veteran of World War II, said he is very proud of his service and that of his fellow veterans. He said he looks forward to spending more time with his wife of 63 years, June Rupp.