As you know, our veterans and military personnel have always been very high on my priorities list. We sometimes take our soldiers for granted, not realizing what a positive impact they have on us and our way of life.

Military bases provide jobs for many local citizens, as well as the sense of security from knowing they are vigilantly maintaining and protecting our freedom and the freedom of others. We see soldiers shopping, dropping their kids off at school, attending local functions in uniform, simply living life like the rest of us, but behind the scenes, we know their jobs are far different than the rest of ours.

As chair of the Veterans’ Affairs and Health Committee, I am acutely aware of issues regarding our state’s investment in our military.

On Tuesday, Feb.17, I will be conducting a joint hearing of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs and Health Committee and the House Veterans Committee to address Missouri Military Awareness Day at the Capitol, which recognizes the importance of our military’s presence in the state.

Maj. Gen. Leslie Smith, Commanding General, Fort Leonard Wood, Maj. Gen Stephen L. Danner, Missouri National Guard, and Brig. Gen. Glen VanHerck, Commander, 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, will give presentations during the hearing.

I always encourage my constituents to feel free to contact me throughout the year with comments, questions or suggestions by calling my office at (573) 751-5713. To find more information about the bills I sponsor, or visit www.senate.mo.gov/brown.

Thank you for reading this and for your participation in state government.