From veteran to legislator

As a young man growing up in a rural Mid-Missouri community, senior state Rep. David Day, R-Dixon, was exposed to the military lifestyle at an early age. With Ft. Leonard Wood nestled just a few miles from his childhood home, the army base had established itself as an indispensable fixture in the local community.

And when it came time to graduate from high school with no plans for his future, it is not shocking to see why the future legislator would consider pursuing service in the armed forces.

"I graduated from Dixon High School in 1981 and really did not know what I wanted to do with my life," stated Day.

"Military service was part of my family's history and it just seemed like the right thing to do at that time."

Day enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after graduation and completed basic training at Ft. Knox, Ky., followed by his advanced training in administration and computers at Ft. Jackson, S.C.

The young soldier would continue his stint in the military by serving with the United States Army's 1st and 13th Field Artillery at Ft. Stewart, Ga., before leaving the service in 1984.

"Fort Jackson was a very interesting experience for me," said Day. "I got sick two days after I got there and I really didn't feel any better until after I left," he joked.

This introduction to the military lifestyle fresh out of high school imbued the veteran with a respect for many of the challenges facing both veterans and those currently serving the nation--a respect that has carried forth into his career as a state representative.

Having embarked upon a career in agriculture after leaving the military, the soon-to-be legislator believed that his focus in the legislature would concentrate on issues facing the agricultural community.

"As a farmer myself, I love agriculture. But veterans issues just seemed like a natural fit for me when I was elected and I really enjoy it," Day noted.

Elected in 2005 to represent the 148th District in Pulaski County, Day has remained active in ensuring that Missouri is poised to become one the most military friendly states in the nation.

"The military community faces a lot of unique challenges and the legislation that I propose seeks to address some of those challenges."

The most recent piece of legislation sponsored by the veteran is HB 136, which would grant certain spouses of active military members eligibility for unemployment benefits.

"When a military spouse has to quit their job to follow their loved ones during a military transfer, we need to ensure that the spouse is able to qualify for unemployment benefits while looking for work," stated Day.

According to Day, 38 states currently provide unemployment benefits to military spouses who must leave their employment to accompany the military member.

"It's simply the right thing to do to honor the brave men and women--and their families--who put their lives on hold to serve the state and nation."

The bill also contains a provision that would extend to military spouses a temporary license to practice their occupation or profession in the state of Missouri, as long as they hold a comparable license from another state.

"I have personally pursued this as a jobs bill for the state," noted Day. "When BRAC (base realignment and closure) commissions look at downsizing or closing a military location, part of their attention is on quality of life for military members within certain communities."

Day added, "Such legislation truly helps Missouri maintain its reputation as a state that is responsive to the needs of servicemembers and their families."

As of the date of this article, HB 136 passed the House with no opposition and is awaiting assignment to a senate committee.

Now in his seventh year as a state representative, Day will become the victim of term limits next year. However, his efforts to support his fellow veterans during his tenure as a legislator have not been overlooked.

On separate occasions, Day has been recognized by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Missouri Association of Veterans Organizations as the Legislator of the Year and has served as a member of the Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission.

In 2009, the veteran legislator was presented with the colors of the Multi-National Task Force East and a state flag flown in his in honor in Kosovo by Brig. Gen. Larry Kay, for his support of the Missouri National Guard.

A proud member of the American Legion, Day perceives his journey from veteran to chairman of the House Veterans Committee as a somewhat natural transition.

"The more military friendly we become as a state, the more likely we are to grow economically," Day indicated.

"As a veteran, supporting those who have served or are currently serving has always been a priority issue for me in my work as a legislator."

Additional information on HB 136 and its status in the legislative process can be found on the Missouri House and Senate Joint Bill Tracking website at http://house.mo.gov/billcentral.aspx

Jeremy P. Amick served is the public affairs officer for the Silver Star Families of America.