Ron Pruett had to relearn how to speak, walk and even to recognize whom his own mother was.

He was shot in the head on Oct. 13, 1967, which resulted in most of his memory being blocked out and causing mobility problems on his right side.

“I had to start over — from scratch,” Pruett said.

“He had to learn to speak,” said his wife, Libby.

“…Walk and everything,” Pruett interjected.

“He did not even know his own mother,” his wife said.

A boy who grew up on a farm south of Effingham, Pruett was drafted into the Vietnam War in 1966.

“I just knew it was the job,” Pruett said.

“Back then when you got your draft notice, you had to go,” his wife said.

A veteran of the US Army 5th Battalion 7th Cavalry, he was awarded the Purple Heart for his heroics during the war.

Later, Pruett became active in the Lion’s Club and has been for more than 30 years.

The Lion’s Club provides services to communities ranging from Camp Lions for children and adults to eye clinics and the collection of hearing aids and glasses.

He was named as a recipient of a Lions of Illinois Foundation Fellow because of his service to the Charleston Lions Club and State Foundation.

Charleston Mayor Larry Rennels said it was because of Pruett’s service to Charleston and his country that he was recognized by the city council at Tuesday night’s meeting.

Rennels said the council occasionally extends recognition to those who serve the community.

“(Pruett) was selected because of the extensive amount of work that he’s done for the Lion’s Club and community,” Rennels said. “I think what prompted us to go ahead with this was the fact that the Lion’s Club recognized him with this award.”

Jason Howell can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].