After a year in Iraq and nearly two decades in the National Guard, Maj. Ed Gargas doesn't think of himself as a veteran.

"Technically, I guess we are veterans now, but when someone asks me about it I still think of my grandfather," said Gargas, a Dexter, Mo., man who recently returned from Iraq with the 1140th Engineer Battalion.

Gargas will speak before veterans of all ages, their families and the public at a Memorial Day program sponsored by American Legion Post 158 in Jackson at 9 a.m. Monday.

The program will be one of several held in Southeast Missouri in honor of veterans, including a service at the Osage Community Centre sponsored by the Joint Veterans Council.

Burt Lehman, secretary/treasurer for the council, said the Cape Girardeau municipal band will play at 10:30 a.m. on Monday and the program will start at 11 a.m.

Lehman said the guest speaker this year will be Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Toeniskoetter of Scott City. Toeniskoetter also recently returned from a year in Iraq and has served in the National Guard for 22 years.

"Since he is an Iraqi Freedom veteran, we thought it was very appropriate for this time," Lehman said.

Jackson's American Legion ceremony will begin with patriotic music from the municipal band followed by Gargas' speech, post member David Ludwig said.

The event will be held at the entrance of the Jackson City Cemetery on High Street.

"In additional to all veterans who gave their lives, this year we're especially recognizing the 1140th on Memorial Day and the families who support the veterans of all wars," Ludwig said.

Veterans, their families and the general public are invited to attend.

Gargas said he plans to talk about his battalion's achievements in Iraq.

"With the 1140th recently returning, there's a lot of local interested to hear what were able to accomplish," he said.

cmiller@semissourian.com

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