Recognizing Missouri’s Veterans

News from Senator David Pearce

Veterans Day, recognized Nov. 11 each year, is a great opportunity to look around our communities and take a few moments to thank the men and women that willingly offered their own lives for the protection of our state and country. The selflessness of these individuals is a debt that is rarely repaid in full, but this annual remembrance can be one small token of gratitude from a grateful nation.

It has often been my pleasure to both sponsor and vote for legislation in the General Assembly that serves to assist Missouri’s veterans. During the 2012 legislative session, the legislature passed two measures that will have long-reaching positive effects for our military men and women. With the passing and implementation of House Bill 1731, a dedicated funding source for Missouri’s veterans’ homes was finally achieved. Modifying the Show-Me Heroes Program,House Bill 1680, which I carried in the Senate, addresses many of the immediate needs of recently returned veterans and helps the families of deployed military members.

Each day, we are surrounded by heroes. Our civil servants, police, firefighters, emergency responders, and especially members of the armed forces, are just some of the people to whom we owe a great deal. If it were not for these brave folks that so often put the good of the people over their own welfare, we would not have the ability to carry on with our daily activities.

I am honored to be one of the two senators to serve on the Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC). One role of the commission is to coordinate veteran outreach. As a member of the commission and a firm supporter of veterans’ rights, I would like to take the opportunity to direct local veterans to the offices that can best assist them. Veterans Service offices are conveniently located in almost every county across the state, providing easy access to veterans. In the 31st Senatorial District, main offices are located in Warrensburg (Missouri Veterans Home, 1300 Veterans Rd., 660-543-7930) and Nevada (621 E. Highland Ave., Ste. #3, 417-448-1133). The Nevada office also travels to Harrisonville (National Guard Armory, 1503 Jefferson Pkwy, 816-887-5710), Belton (VA Outpatient Clinic, 17140 Bel Ray Place, 816-922-2161), Cass and Butler Counties (Driver's Examination Office, 2-4 West Ohio St., 417-448-1133), and Bates County at scheduled times during the month (call for more detailed information). You may also contact the main office at 573-751-3779.

Another important task of the MVC is to provide for the Show-Me State’s seven veterans’ homes. The 31st Senatorial District is fortunate to have the Warrensburg Veterans’ Home located here in our backyard. It is an outstanding facility that cares for our heroes. The excellent staff and dedicated volunteers make the Warrensburg Veterans’ Home a place committed to offering great care.

I ask you to please join me in observing this holiday, by participating in one the many celebrations around the 31st Senatorial District honoring the service of our veterans and the sacrifices that they and their families have offered for the good of our country, or just by visiting with a veteran. Showing these heroes they are appreciated is a small task compared to what they have offered us.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381. 

Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31st State Senatorial District.