Our country's commitment to our veterans hasn't always been stellar. In some regards, it's been downright shameful.
Part of the problem is matching our words with our deeds. Some politicians and bureaucrats talk the talk when it comes to helping veterans and military but don't walk the walk.
So we're glad to see the Missouri Veterans Commission and Missouri Department of Economic Development launching a Benefits and Resource Portal for veterans and military members.
The portal will serve as an informational tool and service guide to help veterans find potential benefits and local resources.
"The Missouri Benefits and Resource Portal is a great step toward helping military members and their families learn about the assistance available to them in their own backyard," MVC Executive Director Paul Kirchhoff said. "We expect the site will continue to evolve and become more interactive, and we look forward to continued collaboration with the DED team in the future."
Fortunately, Missouri has much to offer its military and veterans in terms of resources and benefits. This portal should make it easier to access what's already available.
The initiative for a one-stop-shop for veteran resources began after a University of Central Missouri research project commissioned by the Office of the Missouri Military Advocate, according to a news release from the Missouri Veterans Commission.
The project resulted in a 32-page document titled "A Comprehensive Analysis of Missouri's Efforts to Improve the Quality of Life for Military Service Members and their Families," which recommended a centralized website.
We commend the commission and the Department of Economic Development for partnering on this worthwhile project, and we urge veterans/active-duty military to see what it offers.
The portal can be found at veteranbenefits.mo.gov.
News Tribune