Friday, November 10, 2006
Contact: Brian Hauswirth, 573-751-0290
Blunt Honors the Sacrifices of Missouri’s Veterans
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt asks all Missourians to stop and pay tribute to the sacrifices of Missouri’s veterans and their families on Veterans’ Day.
“I have the greatest respect for all the men and women who have worn the uniforms of our Armed Forces and defended freedom when attacked,” Blunt said. “On this day we honor the Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our democracy.”
The Missouri Veterans Commission created new programs like the Women’s Veterans Program, Operation Outreach Program and the Minority Veterans Program to reach out to Missouri’s 540,000 veterans.
State schools joined in the 2nd annual Power of 11 Cents to educate students about the contributions of the men and women of our Armed Forces. The money generated by the campaign will benefit Missouri’s National Guard and Reserve members and their families.
The Missouri Military Family Relief Fund was expanded to allow Missouri resident Guard and Reserve families to make application to the fund if they are within 2 years of receipt of their discharge papers. Over $10,500 has been given out in grants and over 465 contributions have been received from individuals and businesses.
The Guard at Home program provides assistance to spouses of Guard and Reserve members with retraining if they need to become the main source of income now that their spouse has returned from active duty and suffers from an injury or illness due to their deployment and cannot perform at the level they did before they were deployed.
Blunt has witnessed firsthand the dedication and commitment that Missouri troops make everyday to guarantee 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.
For more information on the services available for veterans visit the Missouri Veterans Commission Internet site at www.mvc.dps.mo.gov.
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