A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper from Cassville has been promoted to the rank of corporal.

Captain D. Scott Sater, commanding officer of Troop D in Springfield, has announced the following promotions effective Dec. 1.

Trooper Braiden Vaught will be promoted to the rank of corporal and will remain in Zone 13, Jasper County, as an assistant zone supervisor. Vaught was appointed to the Patrol on Jan. 4, 2015, as a member of the 102nd Recruit Class. After graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, Vaught was assigned to Zone 13.

Cpl. Vaught is a native of Cassville and 2013 Cassville High School graduate. He then graduated from Missouri Southern State University in 2019. Cpl. Vaught is married to Brianna Vaught and together they have two children, Bennett and Brecken.

Trooper Amanda Kahler will be promoted to the rank of corporal and will transfer from Zone 2 to Zone 1, Green County, where she will serve as an assistant zone supervisor. Kahler was appointed to the Patrol on July 1, 1997, as member of the 74th Recruit Class.

After graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, Kahler was assigned to Troop I, Zone 7 serving Dent County. In October 2000, Kahler transferred to Troop D, Zone 16, serving Dallas and Hickory counties. In January 2005, Kahler transferred to Zone 2.

Cpl. Kahler is a native of Springfield. She graduated from Springfield’s Kickapoo High School in 1994. She received an associate degree from Mineral Area College in Park Hills. She is married to Cassie Parker.

Trooper Matthew Yendez will be promoted to the rank of corporal and will transfer from Zone 12, Christian County, to Zone 10, Webster County, where he will serve as an assistant zone supervisor. Yendez was appointed to the Patrol on July 1, 2013, as a member of the 97th Recruit class. After graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, Yendez was assigned to Troop A.

In November 2018, Yendez transferred to Troop D, Zone 9, serving Cedar and St. Clair counties. In November 2019, Yendez transferred to Zone 12, serving Christian County.

Cpl. Yendez is a native of Republic. He graduated from Republic High School in 2008. He attended and achieved an associate degree from Ozark Technical Community College in Springfield, Missouri in 2012. Cpl. Yendez is married to Katie Yendez and together they have two children, Luke and Parker.

‘Too many people die in traffic crashes each year in Missouri. The choices you make when you’re behind the wheel matter. Make good choices, so you’ll never have to say, ‘If I could just go back…” the Highway Patrol announcement said.

People may follow Troop D on X (formerly Twitter) for the most current news @MSHPTrooperD.