Celebrating Our Independence by Remembering Our Veterans

By Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell

	Last week I had the privilege to speak to a room full of hundreds of
people who, just by looking at them, reminded me of the tremendous
significance of the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. Standing before the
83rd annual state convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in
Columbia I was able to share this time with members of our military who have
defended this independence we will be celebrating. The convention was packed
with VFW members proudly displaying their military hats adorned with patches
and pins, and women from the Ladies Auxiliary VFW. It was a sight to behold.
Military men and women talking amongst themselves about the locations and
conditions they served, in so many different corners of the world. These
people sacrificed all that they had at the time to defend our freedom and
independence, and say they wouldn't do it differently if they could go back.
It was an honor to speak before this audience, as they are truly the ones
with so much to teach me.

	The VFW has a long-standing tradition as service leaders in the
community, supporting community service projects and the promotion of
American values. Their service did not stop on the battlefield, but instead,
has extended back home. I have leaned on members of the VFW for help and
support on several projects for community betterment, as I serve as chairman
of the Missouri Community Service Commission. The network of veterans is
truly devoted to making Missouri and America a better place to live and
work. They lead by example as a lesson for all of us who come behind them.
And yet, many of these veterans who have given so much to this country, are
not receiving the basic military benefits they have already earned and
deserve.  

	As Missouri's lt. governor and official elderly advocate for the
state, it is my privilege to serve as the chairman of the Veteran's Benefits
Awareness Taskforce. Right now, there are an estimated 39,000 Missouri
veterans who are eligible for military benefits but have not yet claimed
them. Our veterans have paid the price of service to defend our freedom and
met their obligation to our government. The government owes them these
benefits. This pertains not only to our veterans who have served our nation
abroad, but also can apply to those veterans who served our nation during
peacetime and the spouses and families of our veterans. 

	It is estimated that Missouri veterans should be drawing in nearly one-third
of a billion dollars in benefits. This is revenue that not only helps
veterans, but helps boost the state economy as well.  It is a shame that
Missouri ranks in the high 30s out of all 50 states in connecting veterans
to their benefits, especially when our neighbors Oklahoma and Arkansas rank
in the top three. 

	The taskforce, made up of staff members of the Missouri Veteran's
Commission, several veterans from across the state and myself, have launched
two new initiatives to inform veterans of what benefits might be out there
for them. One initiative is the Supermarket of Veterans Benefits, which have
been taking place in different cities across the state since 2002. At the
Supermarkets, veterans have the opportunity to apply for benefits with the
help of service officers, as well as learn about state services available to
them ranging from health screenings to small-business help. The next
Supermarket of Veterans Benefits will be held July 19 at the National Guard
Armory in Sedalia from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Another initiative is a toll-free
benefits hotline (1-866-VET-INFO) which provides assistance in connecting
veterans to their earned benefits. 

	I spoke to the crowd of veterans at the VFW convention about the efforts of
the taskforce in hopes that those who haven't received these earned benefits
would be able to finally access them. But, I also asked them to once again
help me with a community service effort - to help spread the word to other
veterans in this state who might need and deserve these benefits. I ask that
you also help us in this effort. This Fourth of July take time to enjoy
outings with your family and friends here in beautiful Missouri. But
remember the people who fought for and continue to preserve our independence
and freedom that we might be able to enjoy this holiday. If you know a
veteran, please pass along this information to them. Together let's make
sure Missouri veterans receive the thanks they deserve for the sacrifices
they have already made.