Friday, Nov. 11, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Forms Advisory Council for Veterans Affairs
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today formed the Governor’s Advisory Council for Veterans Affairs.
"The men and women who have worn the uniform defending our country deserve our sincere gratitude and respect," Blunt said. "These brave Americans defended the freedom that makes our nation the model for the rest of the world. This council will help me identify and respond to the needs of our veterans."
Blunt signed Executive Order 41, honoring Veterans Day and creating the council. The council will advise the governor on ways to assist Missouri’s veterans by identifying the needs of our aging veteran population, develop strategies for improving the delivery of services, increase services to and awareness about the number of women veterans in our state and promote Missouri as a "military friendly state".
The council will be comprised of 12 members serving three year terms appointed by the governor. The governor designates the chairman and vice chairman.
Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder will serve as chairman. Kinder has been an advocate for veterans’ issues, and this year proposed and helped to pass the Missouri Military Family Relief Fund.
Thomas A. Prince, 56 of Creve Coeur, will serve as vice chairman. Prince is an attorney with Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin LLP. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the United States Naval Academy and a juris doctorate from the University of Arkansas- Little Rock.
Remaining members will be announced shortly. The Missouri Veterans Commission and the Office of Administration will provide staff assistance for the council.
Blunt has witnessed the dedication of the men and women who serve our country personally when he served as an active duty naval officer. Blunt is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland.
###