Joe Aull has lived and worked in Missouri his entire life and brings decades of experience in education, public service, and community leadership. His career began as a math teacher and basketball coach, followed by roles as a middle and high school principal, superintendent of schools in Lexington and Marshall, and service in the Missouri State House of Representatives. Joe later served as Vice President for Academics and Principal at Wentworth Military Academy and College, City Administrator and Mayor of Lexington, and was appointed by President Joe Biden as Missouri State Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency. Now semi-retired, Joe continues to serve his community as a local sportswriter and broadcaster. He and his wife, Candee, have lived in Lexington for over three decades and are the proud parents of five and grandparents of five.
Travis Boley has led the Oregon-California Trails Association (OCTA) for over 22 years, making him the longest-serving executive of any organization representing the National Trails System. A historian and documentary producer, he has authored numerous articles and books, including The Little Book of Bowling, and created award-winning PBS documentaries on the American West. Travis has served on the Missouri Trails Commission, the Independence Planning Commission, and boards for the Independence Convention & Visitors Bureau and Rotary Club. He holds a BA in History from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and a master’s in Historical Administration from the University of Kansas. A lifelong Missourian, he lives in Independence with his wife Steffany, their eight children, and their dogs Jimmy Chew and Reggie Riggles.
Chris Fritsche served 9 years in the United States Marine Corps. He is the Quartermaster of VFW post 4052 in Lexington, MO. and serves on the Board of Directors Higginsville Chamber of Commerce. Chris also serves on the City of Lexington’s Economic Development Committee, and is the President of the Community Betterment Association of Lexington. He is married to DeAnna who is a business owner in Lexington. Chris is the Superintendent of both the Battle of Lexington State Historic Site in Lexington and Confederate Memorial State Historic Site in Higginsville.
Tom Hughes is the Mayor of Lexington, Missouri, elected in November 2024. He previously served on the Lexington City Council and is committed to thoughtful leadership and responsive local government. Mayor Hughes holds a Master of Science in Education from Pittsburg State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science with an emphasis in state and local government from the College of Emporia. His leadership experience includes service within Lexington city government, as an Athletic Director, and as a member of the President’s Council at Wentworth Military Academy, as well as leadership roles in minor league professional sports. His contributions have been recognized with induction into the Wentworth Athletic Hall of Fame and the USCAA Hall of Fame. Mayor Hughes is the proud father of two daughters and grandfather of six granddaughters.
Born and raised in Lafayette County, Jennifer Jellum has always believed in serving her community. After working as City Collector for Lexington, she has proudly served as County Treasurer for the past 13 years. Jennifer also works in real estate, helping families and investors find the right fit. She and her husband, Chad, have one son, Spencer. Whether in public service or real estate, Jennifer simply loves helping her community thrive.
Allan Lee is a 1977 graduate of Lexington High School and earned a B.S. in Business Administration from CMSU (UCM) in 1981, where he made history as the university’s first African American Student Body President. He spent more than 30 years in senior leadership roles with Lake City Army Ammunition Plant and Winchester Ammunition, overseeing large-scale manufacturing, human resources, and administrative operations supporting commercial, law enforcement, and U.S. military customers. A dedicated community leader, Allan has served on multiple nonprofit boards and founded Minutemen Pride in 2016, which has awarded over $105,000 in scholarships to Lexington High School graduates and established the Minutemen Athletic Hall of Fame. His honors include recognition as a Black Achiever in Business and Industry, induction into the Minutemen Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Lexington R-V School District Hall of Fame for Career Achievement. Allan and his wife Georgia have been married for 41 years and have three children, 11 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Amy Jo Lett is a dedicated advocate for veterans and their families from Odessa, Missouri. A Life Member of Odessa Memorial VFW Auxiliary 5675, she currently serves the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary as the 2025–2026 National Legislative Ambassador. Inspired by her family’s military service, Amy Jo has served the VFW Auxiliary at every level and is passionate about advancing veterans’ legislation and honoring those who served. She also serves as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and a Life Member of the VFW National Home. She also serves as a Board Member of the Friends of the Lafayette County Veterans Memorial and is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and a Life Member of the VFW National Home. Amy Jo enjoys using technology to support nonprofit outreach and is a proud mother and grandmother.
Judy Gover Lindquist is a music educator and freelance musician with more than fifty years of experience in the St. Louis area. She holds a degree in music education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and studied music at Cottey College. In recognition of her career, she was named Missouri Studio Teacher of the Year in 2008 and inducted into the Lexington Hall of Fame for Career Achievement in 2023. Judy has also worked as a computer systems manager and has volunteered with numerous nonprofit organizations supporting literacy, housing, service projects, and community preservation. She lives in Chesterfield, Missouri, with her husband, Craig, and is the proud mother of two sons (both first responders) and grandmother of three.
Steve Oliaro is a Lexington native and retired business owner with a background in math, computer science, and memorial design. He and his wife Charlette owned and operated Baker Memorials for 35 years, earning national recognition for professional excellence and community service. Steve has spent decades serving on nonprofit and financial boards, including long-term leadership with the Charles Lyons Memorial Foundation. He designed the Lafayette County Veterans Memorial and continues to support its mission as a board member of Friends of the Lafayette County Veterans Memorial. Most recently, Allan Lee approached Steve to design an addition to the existing memorial. Steve now serves on the board of Friends of The Lafayette County Veterans Memorial, continuing his commitment to honoring local veterans.
William W. Sellers currently serves as the president/founder of National History Academy and president of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area. Sellers grew up in Lexington, and attended Lexington public schools through 8th grade and Wentworth Military Academy for high school. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in American History from Harvard University and a law degree from the University of Missouri. Sellers has served in leadership roles in a broad range of organizations. Among other positions, he has served as President of Wentworth Military Academy & College, President of the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States; on the Presidential Advisory Committee to Missouri’s Coordinating Board of Higher Education; on the Board of Trustees of the State Historical Society of Missouri; and on the Board of Directors of the Harvard Alumni Association.
Rear Admiral (Upper Half) J. Stanton Thompson retired from the U.S. Navy in 2005 after 35 years of distinguished service, culminating as Special Assistant for Reserve Matters to the Commander of U.S. Northern Command and NORAD. A flag officer since 1998, his senior assignments included leadership roles with U.S. Pacific Command, Maritime Defense Zone Pacific, and command of the Naval Reserve Readiness Command Midwest, recognized as the top reserve command nationwide. A native of Missouri, Rear Admiral Thompson continues a lifetime of public service. He serves on the Board of Trustees of the National World War I Museum and Memorial, leads the American Legion Post 223 Honor Guard, and has held elected and appointed state and local government positions. His honors include multiple Defense Superior Service and Legion of Merit awards, as well as the DAR National Medal of Honor. Rear Admiral Thompson is married to the former Sandra Kay Kirby. They have three children and 8 grand children.