Spc. Walter L. Mc-Dowell [Click to enlarge]

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. - Spc. Walter L. Mc-Dowell, of Portageville, was recently awarded the Missouri Commendation Medal for his service with the Missouri Army National Guard during the flooding in northeast Missouri.

McDowell is no stranger to the call to duty.

His grandfather, father and an uncle have all served in the military.

"I'm proud to be in the Missouri National Guard because I've always wanted to serve my country and continue my family tradition," said McDowell.

During the mission to combat flooding in northeast Missouri, McDowell was stationed at a traffic control point in Alexandria. His job was to ensure unauthorized traffic stayed out of the flood zone.