*Missouri Governor Michael L. Parson*

Office of Communications

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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

November 8, 2019

*Governor Parson Encourages Missourians to Honor Service Members on Veterans Day, Highlights State Resources for Missouri Veterans *

*(JEFFERSON CITY, MO)* Today, Governor Mike Parson released the following statement regarding the observance of Veterans Day:

This Veterans Day weekend, let us take the time to honor the service, sacrifice, and courage of our veterans. America owes a debt of gratitude to all service members, and while we can never repay the sacrifices they have made, we can honor them by continuing to recognize their service and commitment to our country, *Governor Parson* said. Having spent six years in the Army, I encourage everyone to thank our veterans and active military not only this weekend but throughout the year. Thanks to their sacrifice, we are here today.

Governor Parson will participate in several events in honor of Veterans Day this year. Today, Governor Parson will speak at Veterans Day events at Sparta High School and Bolivar Middle School. Monday, November 11, he will attend the Branson Veterans Day Parade.

Thursday, November 14, Governor Parson will speak at the Hiring Our Heroes Fellowship Graduation Ceremony. Saturday, November 16, Governor Parson will attend Whiteman Day and the Mizzou versus Florida Military Appreciation Day game. He will also speak at the National Stars and Stripes Museums Inaugural Spirit of Democracy event on Saturday evening.

Home to over 480,000 veterans, Missouri has several agencies, programs, and partnerships in place to assist and support veterans in the state.__

_*Missouri Veterans Commission*_

The Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) [ [link removed] ] provides assistance to veterans regarding their rights, access to benefits, and other veterans resources and programs in place in Missouri. MVC also has Missouri Veterans Homes [ [link removed] ] located across the state that provide long-term, skilled nursing care for veterans.

MVC recently received nearly $5 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to make important upgrades to four Missouri Veterans Homes:


* Warrensburg Veterans Home: $1,226,486
* St. James Veterans Home: $618,309
* St. Louis Veterans Home: $1,644,063
* Mexico Veterans Home: $1,457,622

The funds allowed MVC to replace aging mechanical systems with high efficiency units that will enhance the lives of Missouri veterans, their families, and employees.__

_*Missouri State Board of Nursin*_*g*

The Missouri State Board of Nursing has placed a strong emphasis on collaboration with the military by working to incorporate and recognize education, training, and/or service received and completed into the qualifications to apply for licensure as a practical nurse.

This week, it was announced that the Board has reached a milestone of licensing 100 individuals through the U.S. Air Forces education and training program. Since March 22, 2017, the Board has licensed 107 individuals who completed the program.

The Board also has a Military Task Force in place with active military, retired military, and public partners who are continuously exploring ways to help transition active duty military professionals to successful civilian careers.__

_*Other State Programs and Resources*_


* *Missouri Department of Economic Development:* Office of the Missouri Military Advocate [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ]
* *Missouri Department of Mental Health:* Veterans Mental Health Services Office [ [link removed] ]
* *Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Veterans training and education programs [ [link removed] ], Troops to Teachers program [ [link removed] ], and Honorary High School Diplomas [ [link removed] ]*
* *Missouri Department of Corrections:* Veterans program [ [link removed] ] in seven Missouri correctional facilities
* *Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations:* Offers employment and training services to veterans and transitioning service members through the *Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development* and provides unemployment benefits to eligible spouses of active or reserve military personnel
* *Missouri Department of Revenue:* Military liaison [ [link removed] ] to assist military personnel with taxation, motor vehicle, and drivers licensing questions
* *Missouri Department of Conservation:* Free hunting and fishing licenses [ [link removed] ]available to disabled veterans

As we honor our military members for their service, Id like to commend the partnerships, programs, and resources our state has in place for veterans, *Governor Parson* said. Were proud of the great work of our agencies to support those who have served our country, and we will continue working to make Missouri the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation.

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*Contact: Kelli R. Jones*

Communications Director

Work: 573-751-0765

Mobile: 573-508-9072

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.governor.mo.gov


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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Office of Governor Michael L. Parson PO Box 720 Jefferson City, MO 65102 (573) 751-3222 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]