FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290

KANSAS CITY – Gov. Matt Blunt today addressed the VFW National Convention and honored our military veterans who represent the best our country has to offer. The governor also discussed his efforts to enact legislation to assist Missouri veterans and their families.

“Our veterans understand what it means to sacrifice for a high ideal, and for that they deserve the respect and gratitude of a grateful nation,” Blunt said. “I have the greatest respect for those who have worn the uniforms of our Armed Forces. May God continue to bless our veterans and our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines currently stationed around the world.”

During his remarks the governor highlighted how our veterans and current military heroes serve for our freedom and country rather than personal glory. Blunt discussed that throughout the history of the world, there has never been any organization that has done as much for freedom as the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

Gov. Blunt is a strong supporter for Missouri’s veterans. He signed legislation to enact additional protections for War on Terror Veterans to ensure that their jobs, wages and benefits were kept for them during the time they were called to serve our country. The legislation established a state fund to benefit War on Terror veterans who apply for unemployment assistance related to their time serving and to fund that program, the bill established state penalties for employers who violated the law.

Blunt is a committed advocate for veterans and their families. Following what he called an appalling protest at the funeral of Specialist Edward Lee Myers the governor sent a strong message that Missouri not only supports our military members at home and abroad but that the sacrifices they make are valued, respected and important to the grateful people they serve. “The Edward Lee Myers Act” protects Missouri families’ right to honor their loved ones and makes it clear Missouri will not tolerate protests that disrupt those who are mourning the loss of a military hero.

The budget Blunt signed this year increased money for Missouri’s veterans’ homes by $8.7 million. Earlier this year the governor signed legislation that established the Stolen Valor Act to put in law fit punishment for those who impersonate military heroes and that increases grants to fund Veterans Service Officers.

Gov. Blunt has witnessed firsthand the dedication and commitment that Missouri troops make everyday to protect and defend 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.

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