Dennis & Debbie Peters
Dennis and Debbie Peters established the Sgt. Joseph M. Peters Memorial Scholarship to honor the life, service, and sacrifice of their son, Special Agent Sergeant Joseph Michael Peters. Through this scholarship, they have created a lasting legacy that reflects Joseph’s dedication to his country, his family, and his community while continuing to support students at Ozarks Tech.
Joseph, a graduate of Republic High School and Ozarks Tech, earned a certificate in Electronic Media Production before serving in the United States Army. He gave the ultimate sacrifice on October 6, 2013, while serving alongside Army Rangers during a raid in Afghanistan. He is remembered not only for his courage and military service, but also for the love and devotion he showed as a husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
Deeply moved by Joseph’s connection to Ozarks Tech and his belief in service to others, Dennis and Debbie chose to honor his memory through scholarship support for veterans pursuing their education at the college. Their gift reflects a commitment to helping others build meaningful futures while preserving Joseph’s enduring legacy.
Impact
The Sgt. Joseph M. Peters Memorial Scholarship provides educational support to eligible veterans attending Ozarks Tech, helping them pursue their academic and career goals. Through this scholarship, Dennis and Debbie Peters continue Joseph’s legacy of service by investing in students who have also dedicated themselves to serving others.
Joseph’s heroism and sacrifice were recognized through numerous military honors, including the Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device “V,” Purple Heart, and Combat Action Badge, as well as Distinguished Alumni recognition from both Ozarks Tech and the Missouri Community College Association. His story continues to inspire students, graduates, and the broader community.
Through their generosity, Dennis and Debbie have transformed personal loss into lasting opportunity. Their support ensures that Joseph’s memory remains closely connected to Ozarks Tech while helping veterans create brighter futures through education.