Saturday, June 30, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Signs Law Honoring Missouri Veterans
Columbia– Gov. Matt Blunt today met with Missouri veterans at the Veterans of Foreign Wars State Convention and signed legislation that honors the service and sacrifice of those who have served our country.
“I want to thank all the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today,” Blunt said. “It is because of their dedication to our country that our country’s greatness stands as a model for all nations. It is a great privilege to take this day to recognize the veterans who have made such tremendous sacrifices while serving the United States.”
House Bill 654, sponsored by Rep. Rick Stream, establishes the Stolen Valor Act. The Act makes it illegal for a person to deliberately misrepresent themselves as a veteran or medal recipient. The first offense is a Class A misdemeanor and subsequent offenses are a Class D Felony. The legislation also increases the Missouri Veterans Commission matching grants for veterans’ service officer programs to $1 million and exempts veterans’ organizations with a congressional charter from paying real and personal property taxes.
As governor, Blunt has advocated for veterans and their families. Following what he called an appalling protest at the funeral of Specialist Edward Lee Myers the governor and Missouri General Assembly sent a strong message that Missouri not only supports our military members at home and abroad, but that the sacrifices they make are valued, respected and important to the grateful people they serve. “The Edward Lee Myers Act” protects Missouri families’ right to honor their loved ones and makes it clear Missouri will not tolerate protests that disrupt those who are mourning the loss of a military hero.
Blunt has also signed legislation to help veterans access their federal medical benefits, allow veterans without permanent homes to access their rightfully earned benefits through charitable or religious organizations and create the Vietnam War Medallion Program.
Gov. Blunt has witnessed firsthand the dedication and commitment that Missouri troops make everyday to protect and defend our freedom with visits to Iraq, Afghanistan and the Mexican Border. Blunt is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland and serves as a Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Reserves.