United States is blessed to have veterans

This week the good people of Missouri and the United States once again paused to express their gratitude for the heroic men and women who made the life-altering decision to serve.

Veterans Day offers an opportunity not only to say thank you to the nation’s heroes, but also for the American people to renew their commitment to support the brave patriots who have put themselves in harm’s way to protect the American way of life. It is a time to pay tribute to those who represent and fight for the highest ideals of this nation.

The United States is blessed to have 18 million veterans who have returned home from service to their families and friends. Missouri is home to more than 400,000 selfless heroes who put love of country before their own livelihood. I am honored to come from a military family, as my father served in World War II, my brother enlisted during the Vietnam War, and I proudly served 12 years in the Army National Guard.

While they have returned to life at home, many bear the scars, both physical and emotional, from their time in service. Just as they protected the freedoms of the American people, it’s important that our nation’s citizens repay this debt by supporting veterans when and where they can.

The General Assembly came together in 2021 to once again pass legislation supporting the many veterans who call Missouri home. By passing HB 476, we made it clear that Missouri has the welcome mat rolled out for any other veterans who would like to relocate to the Show-Me State.

The bill cuts red tape to ensure more skilled veterans are able to work and practice, and allows those who have left military service to more easily obtain a license in the occupation they held while in the service.

It’s a change that helps make the transition to civilian life easier for veterans, and sends a strong message that Missouri is a welcoming home for those who have served.

Also this year, the state launched the Missouri Benefits and Resource Portal to serve as an informational tool to help veterans find potential benefits and local resources.

The one-stop-shop portal for veteran resources is the result of a study titled “A Comprehensive Analysis of Missouri’s Efforts to Improve the Quality of Life for Military Service Members and their Families,” which recommended the portal. The portal is an important step toward helping veterans and their families learn about the resources that are available to them in their own backyard. The portal is located at veteranbenefits.mo.gov.

Veterans Day is a time to honor service members for their service and dedication. It’s also a time to express gratitude for the sacrifices they have made. This nation prepared service members to be sent into harm’s way to defend the American way of life.

Now it is time to once again support them as they return home to their own lives. It is the responsibility of all Americans to ensure veterans receive the care and support they have earned.

The debt owed to these heroes can never be fully repaid, but the people of this nation should strive to express their gratitude and appreciation on each and every day of the year.

America would not be the greatest nation on this planet today without the service and sacrifices of veterans, and this nation’s future would not be nearly as bright without the contributions they will continue to make in the years to come.

May God bless and keep you and our great nation.

Hardy Billington represents District 152, which includes parts of Butler and Dunklin counties.