J.L. Pete Morgan, 1956 MSU Graduate and wife Sara Morgan

As a child in the 1940s, Pete Morgan collected insignia - the badges, patches, pins and medals worn by service members - from the soldiers near Camp Crowder Army Base. He put aside the collection during his teenage and early adult years. His interest in the military continued, with service in three branches: Navy, Army and Air Force.

In 1950, his sophomore year of college, Pete joined the Navy. It was the first year of the Korean War and a halt to his studies at MSU.

He transferred to the Army in 1951. When his contract was up in 1954, he re-enrolled at MSU on the G.I. Bill. Morgan earned a degree in business administration in 1956.

Early in his career, Pete worked in civilian jobs and then on an Air Force base. He went on to become a mutual-fund wholesaler.

Pete met and married Sara Morgan in 1973. His interest in collecting insignia was rekindled - and Sara's sparked - when they met a local, prominent collector. Pete decided if that collector could do it, he could too!

"Sara and I started collecting with a vengeance."

They traveled the world for work and fun. Each time they arrived in a new country, the couple sought Army surplus stores and markets that might sell patches and pins. On more than one occasion they acquired a shop's entire inventory.

Their collection grew. And grew. And GREW. Eventually, Pete and Sara started a business to manufacture insignia.

Recently, they gave their entire collection to MSU's Duane G. Meyer Library. The array of insignia is housed and displayed there.

"In the collection of military pins alone," Pete said, "there are more than 14,000 pieces."

The couple chose to donate the insignia to Missouri State for several reasons.

"We didn't want the collection broken up, and we wanted it to be used for educational purposes. We love MSU and wanted the university to have our collection."

Students and scholars can now see pieces of military history in person and learn about archiving the pieces.

Because of their donation of personal property, the Morgans have the benefit of a 501(c)(3) tax deduction.

"If anybody wants to donate their collections, whether it be insignia or other artifacts," Pete said, "they should know that Missouri State is a place where it will be appreciated."