Honoring our Veterans

Served as Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veteran’s Affairs. Issued a comprehensive report to the Governor on legislative and executive changes to benefit veterans in Missouri.

Was instrumental in passage of HB 437 which created the Missouri Military Family Relief Fund. He signed this bill into law as Acting Governor in 2005. The Fund makes grants to families of persons who are members of the Missouri National Guard or Missouri residents who are members of the reserves who have been called into active duty as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Helped secure $300,000 in the ’07 budget for the Veteran’s Remembrance Project which is run through the Lt. Governor’s office as a way to record the memories of those veteran’s who have served in foreign wars. A video kiosk is now operating in the Capitol as a way for visitors to watch these recorded sessions with an introduction from PDK.

Fought for increases to veterans programs and demanded an end to the diversion of veteran funding to ensure adequate spending to reduce the waiting list for beds at Missouri Veterans Homes.