JEFFERSON CITY - Approximately 150 veterans—including four members of MoDOT—turned out last Thursday to support veterans in the workplace. Gov. Mike Parson formally recognized July 25th as “Hire a Veteran Day in Missouri."
(Left to right): Gov. Mike Parson, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe and Missouri Veterans Commission Executive Director Grace Link recognize veterans at the National Hire a Veteran Day ceremony at the Carnahan Memorial Garden on July 25.
MoDOT Materials Technician Randy Blalock, Risk Management Specialist Charles Highland, Lead Info Systems Technologist Michael Larimore and Senior Info Systems Technologist Rhonda Thompson all represented MoDOT at the event hosted by the Missouri Veterans Commission. Gov. Mike Parson and Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe were both in attendance. Missouri Veterans Commission Executive Director Grace Link officiated at the ceremony that was held in the Carnahan Memorial Garden and was attended by veterans, area employers, veterans’ service organizations and state agencies.
To Charles Highland, the presence of the state’s two highest office holders at the ceremony was surprising, but meaningful. “I didn’t expect that someone of that high caliber would take time out of his schedule to recognize us,” he said.
Highland, a U.S. Marine who served in the infantry, was wounded in 2004 by an IED while on his second tour of duty in Iraq. He joined the service two years after 9/11 because he felt it was not only something he could do, but something he should do. Though pleased to be standing with fellow veterans, Highland said he was particularly proud to be in the company of other MoDOT workers. “These are our people. This is my family. I felt like part of a team.”
Rhonda Thompson said she is frequently disturbed by the sight of homeless veterans asking for money at the side of the road. “A veteran is someone who wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount up to and including their life. Those who sacrificed for this country should be able to come home to a comfortable living,” she said. “I am proud of the Missouri Department of Transportation for leading the way in solving a problem that helps so many veterans.”
According to the Missouri Veterans Commission, the transition from military to civilian life can be challenging. Finding gainful employment is a critical piece of the process. Under Gov. Parson’s initiative, a single point of contact within state government is assigned to veterans to provide personalized assistance in identifying available jobs, education, training opportunities and other supportive services offered by the state.
“It has always been interesting to me how we refer to veterans as having been in the service. And yet, there couldn’t be a better term,” said MoDOT Director Patrick K. McKenna. “Our veterans have already exhibited one of our core values of safety, service and stability before they ever joined the MoDOT family. I am very proud of all the current and former military members who are continuing to provide public service through their affiliation with MoDOT.”
Gov. Parson suggests busy days are coming
When Michael Larimore approached Gov. Mike Parson after Thursday’s celebration of National Hire a Veteran Day, he introduced himself as an employee of MoDOT.
“I’m fixing to put you guys to work,” Parson said, smiling.
(Left to right): Senior Info Systems Technologist Rhonda Thompson and Lead Info Systems Technologist Michael Larimore with Gov. Mike Parson at the National Hire a Veteran celebration in the Carnahan Gardens.
The governor was referring to the $81.2 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant that will facilitate the construction of a new I-70 Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport as well as climbing lanes on I-70 at Mineola Hill. In addition, the grant will trigger $301 million in bonding, authorized by the Missouri General Assembly during the 2019 session, that will repair or replace another 215 bridges across the state.
“We owe a great deal of gratitude to Gov. Parson for his leadership and commitment to Missouri’s infrastructure needs,” said MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna following the announcement of Missouri receiving the INFRA grant. “This could not have happened without his determination and unwavering support of infrastructure investment.”
McKenna also had thanks for Senators Blunt and Hawley, Representatives Graves and Hartzler, members of the Congressional delegation for keeping the project top of mind in the nation’s capital and to leaders in the City of Columbia, the City of Boonville and Boone and Cooper Counties for their commitment of $4.2 million in local funds that, when leveraged with state and federal dollars, will make a new bridge a reality.