JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri’s roughly 400,000 veterans are split down the middle when it comes to using the benefits they earned. The Missouri Veterans Commission reports that about 200,000 veterans are actively receiving benefits, while the other half may be missing out on health care, education, housing assistance and new veteran‑owned business preferences.
Why many veterans aren’t applying
Retired Colonel Paul Kirchhoff, a commissioner with the Missouri Veterans Commission, says the system’s complexity is a major barrier. “It’s not a gift, it’s already been earned,” Kirchhoff explained, noting that many veterans feel they don’t need the assistance or worry they might be taking resources away from a fellow veteran who needs them more.
Kirchhoff clarified that the opposite is true: “The more veterans that apply for their benefits, the more resources that are given to the VA. So it’s not taking away from another veteran; it actually helps other veterans.”
Helping veterans navigate the VA
Nick Lanier, director of the University of Missouri Veterans Center, works to simplify the process for veterans seeking higher education. “The VA, by its very nature, is complex,” Lanier said. “What we do at the Veterans Center, what we pride ourselves on, is we’re able to translate that.” He advises veterans to take the first step by simply asking for help.
Veterans can contact the Missouri Veterans Commission for assistance with applications. The commission’s staff can guide applicants through paperwork, eligibility questions and the certification process for veteran‑owned businesses.
New state law expands opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs
In August, Missouri enacted HB 2593, creating Section 34.069, RSMo, which gives certified veteran‑owned enterprises a preference when bidding on state contracts. This “Honorably Discharged Veteran‑Owned Enterprise” preference joins an existing statute, Section 34.074, RSMo, that provides Service‑Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise preferences.
The Missouri Office of Administration reports that vendors must submit the appropriate certification exhibit with their bid response, and the veteran‑owned business must be certified at the time the bid closes. The law requires that the products or services offered be commercially useful for the contract’s needs.
The state has promoted the new certification through social‑media campaigns, event outreach and a dedicated page on the Office of Administration’s website.
What this means for Missouri families
When veterans receive health care, education benefits or housing assistance, the ripple effect strengthens families and local communities. Increased participation also boosts the state’s ability to allocate resources effectively, supporting both individual veterans and the broader veteran population.
Community leaders encourage veterans to explore all available benefits, emphasizing that these programs are designed to honor service and improve quality of life for Missouri families.
How to get started
Veterans interested in applying for benefits should reach out to the Missouri Veterans Commission at [email protected] or visit the commission’s website for step‑by‑step guidance. The commission also offers workshops and one‑on‑one counseling to help veterans navigate the application process.
By increasing awareness and simplifying access, Missouri aims to ensure that every veteran receives the support they have rightfully earned.
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
