Dennis and Debbie Peters

Dennis Peters established the Sgt. Joseph M. Peters Memorial Scholarship in memory of his son, the late Special Agent Sgt. Joseph M. Peters. Sgt. Peters was killed from injuries sustained in a series of explosions while accompanying Army Rangers on a raid Oct. 6, 2013 in Afghanistan. Sgt. Peters received Distinguished Alumni awards posthumously from both OTC and the Missouri Community College Association.

His legacy will live on at OTC, with a scholarship that supports eligible veterans attending OTC. “Through this gift, we can be sure that our family and Joseph remain connected to OTC,” said Peters. The OTC Board of Trustees also recognized Sgt. Peters’ service and sacrifice with a resolution. After his death, the Army awarded Sgt. Peters with the Combat Action Badge, Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart.
Dennis received a standing ovation as he accepted the award for his fallen son from Dr. Hal Higdon, chancellor of OTC. Dennis Peters reminded OTC’s graduating students that the men and women of the military helped them reach their goals and dreams. “Others have made sacrifices to help you reach your dream and graduate tonight,” Peters told the packed audience at the JQH Arena. Peters was born Dec. 22, 1988 and graduated from Republic High School in 2007. Peters received a certificate in electronic media production from OTC.

Special Agent Sergeant Joseph Michael Peters, 24, of the 286th Military Police Detachment (CID) in Vicenza Italy, was killed from injuries sustained in a devastating series of blasts from suicide bombs and improvised explosive devices in an Afghanistan compound west of Kandahar accompanying Army Rangers on a raid October 6, 2013.

Joseph was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He is survived by his wife Ashley Peters his son Gabriel Peters. He is also survived by his Mother and Father, Debbie and Dennis Peters. Joseph is also survived by his two brothers Christopher and Matthew Arnall and his sister Alex Peters.

Joseph graduated from Republic High School in 2007 and earned a certificate in Electronic Media Production at Ozarks Technical Community College.

Joseph’s Military awards are as follows:

• Bronze Star Medal w/combat distinguishing device “V” Posthumous
• Bronze Star Medal, Posthumous
• Purple Heart, Posthumous
• Meritorious Service Medal, Posthumous
• Joint Service Achievement Medal
• Army Achievement Medal
• Army Good Conduct Medal, 3
• National Defense Medal, 2
• Afghanistan Medal w/Bronze Star Service Star-Arrowhead
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
• Global War on Terror Service Medal
• Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon
• Army Service Ribbon
• Overseas Service Ribbon
• NATO Medal, Posthumous
• Combat Action Badge, Posthumous
• Driver and Mechanic Badge-Bar
• Driver-W(for wheeled vehicles)
• Combat and Special Skill Badge Basic Marksmanship Qual Badge-Bar
• Weapon: Rifle (Inscription: Rifle) Expert Overseas Service Bar, 2

Visitation will be Friday, October 25, 2013 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Greenlawn East Funeral Home located at 3540 E. Seminole in Springfield. Funeral Services are Saturday, October 26, 2013 10:00 a.m. at funeral home. Graveside services and full military honors ceremony to begin at 12:00 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at 5201 S. Southwood.

He gave the last full measure of devotion in laying down his life for his Country, his Family, and his Friends. He will be missed but never forgotten.