JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – In a significant move towards honoring Missouri veterans, the Missouri House of Representatives has successfully third read and passed House Bill 1496.
HB 1496, sponsored by State Representative Dave Griffith, establishes the “Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, and Operation Allies Refuge” program, which will award medallions, medals, and certificates of appreciation to Missouri veterans. The bill language states that every veteran who honorably served, at any time, on active duty in the United States military from October 7, 2001 through August 30, 2021 is entitled to receive the aforementioned.
Veterans are entitled to this program, allowing for the following criteria:
- Is or was a legal resident of Missouri at the time of enter, discharge, his/her death, or served in a unit of the Missouri National Guard (regardless of state resident status)
- Honorably separated or discharged from service, still in active service (honorable) status, or was in such status at the time of his/her death.
Furthermore, the programs’ awards and recognitions are to be awarded regardless of whether an eligible veteran was under the age of 18 at time of enlistment, served within the United States or in a foreign country.
“Being among those that have served, I am deeply committed to the well-being of our veterans who have selflessly protected our nation. I know the feeling of receiving something as special as a personal medal, recognizing that sacrifice. I truly look forward to the fact that because of this piece of legislation passing, that feeling will be experienced by so many that are so deserving.” stated Griffith, R-Jefferson City. “We have worked hard on this bill and I am so pleased that it garnered the support it did, from both sides of the aisle.”
“This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to honoring the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans who served honorably during pivotal periods in our nation’s history,” House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, said. “Through this program, we express our profound gratitude and ensure that their contributions are recognized and commemorated for generations to come.”
Representative Dave Griffith, a Republican, represents Cole County (District 60) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2018. For more information, please contact Rep. Griffith’s office at 573-751-2412 or via email at Dave.Griffith@House.Mo.Gov.