Chen honored as Senior Service Award recipient

Noreen Hyslop photo Lt. Governor Peter D. Kinder, at left, paid a special visit to Dexter Monday afternoon to award local physician and community servant, Dr. Alan Chen, with the state of Missouri's Senior Service Award. At center is June Chen, R.N., who has served with her husband at their local medical clinic since its opening in 1989.

Dr. Alan Chen, who has practiced medicine in Dexter for the past 20 years, was presented with the Lt. Governor's Senior Service Award, a commendation begun by Kinder when he took office nearly five years ago.

"Through the Lt. Governor's Senior Service Award, it has been my intention to promote and highlight positive accomplishments of Missouri seniors to our communities.

Kinder explained that the state, through the Area Agency on Aging, is divided into 10 regions with the Southeast Region being one of those 10. One senior in each region is selected bi-annually from nominations to be a Senior Service Award recipient.

Nominations for the Senior Service Award come from across the state on a regular basis to Kinder's office and derive from organizations or from individuals who feel they know a senior citizen whose efforts have impacted the community in a positive manner. Rep. Billy Pat Wright was responsible for the nomination of Chen, citing Chen's devotion over the years to promoting higher education for Missouri's youth and for having served in a number of volunteer capacities in the area.

"There are thousands of Missourians whose lives are touched by the unselfish work and caring hands of volunteering seniors. These acts of kindness go on unnoticed all around us every day. These seniors offer their time and labor back to the community, and I want to bring these stories to the public, so we can all thank them for their work," Kinder said in establishing the Senior Service Award.

Patients, friends and dignitaries converged on Chen's medical clinic Monday afternoon to be witness to Kinder's presentation of the Senior Service Award.

Kinder, in granting the award, congratulated Chen for his efforts in the field of health care as well as education. Recognizing Chen for having served on the Stoddard County Mental Health Board, the Dexter Memorial Hospital Board and the Dexter School Board of Education, Kinder said, "Your unselfishness has touched countless others within your community."

"I thank you for your undying devotion to Dexter and the greater Dexter community."

Kinder, the official senior advocate for the state of Missouri, further commended Chen for his service, stating, "Everyday heroes like Dr. Chen do not receive adequate recognition they so much deserve."

Chen's work has included providing free physicals for Scouts enabling them to attend summer camp, and continuing volunteer efforts within the Boy and Girl Scout arena. He was noted for having served as a committee member for the Scouting organization and for serving as chairman of that committee for the past four years.

Chen is also a member of Dexter Kiwanis, a lifetime member of the American Medical Association and a member as well of the Missouri State Medical Association. Furthermore, he has served as president of the Southeast Missouri Medical Society and as a mentor for medical students from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Oceania University of Medicine.

"Dr. Chen," said Kinder, "has demonstrated that he possesses the heart of a true servant."

Chen also was awarded a Senior Service Award lapel pin and he will be recognized along with other recipients of the award across the state at a May 2010 special ceremony held in the State Capitol in Jefferson City.

"I am so honored," Chen said in accepting the declaration from Kinder alongside his wife, June. "I just feel that I am doing a citizen's duty.