Honoring Korea Defense Service Veterans

Honoring Our Korean Defense Service Veterans (SB 254)

The governor recently signed into law a bill I was honored to play a role in passing this year that will better recognize the deeds and sacrifices made by veterans of the Korean Defense Service Veteran. Under the legislation, which is identical to a bill I filed in the House, veterans who have received a Korea Defense Service Medal will be able to obtain special license plates.

The idea for this new law was brought to me three years ago by Gerald Rogers, who is a Korean Defense Service Veteran from Sikeston. Mr. Rogers served in the U.S. Army at Camp Casey, Korea 7th Infantry Division from 1962-1963. Thanks to his suggestion we will now be able to recognize the service of the heroic individuals who have received the Korea Defense Service Medal, which was first put into place under President George W. Bush.

We owe a debt of gratitude to our veterans and I am proud to do what I can to help them receive the recognition they deserve for their courage and their patriotism. I want to thank my colleagues for helping to push this bill across the legislative finish line so that we can offer another way to remind people of the amazing heroes who made incredible sacrifices in service to our nation.

The legislation allows any person who has received the Korea Defense Service Medal to apply for special motor vehicle license plates bearing the words "KOREA DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL." To obtain the plates, a person must submit an application to the Director of the Department of Revenue, furnish proof of eligibility for the plates as the department director may require, and pay a $15 fee in addition to the regular registration fee.

Rep. John McCaherty

District 97

On behalf of all Korea Defense Veterans in Missouri, I would like to thank the Governor, The Senate, The House of Representatives, and especially Rep. John McCaherty of District 97 (Arnold)( A Veterans Veteran) for getting this Senate Bill 254 passed. There are thousand of veterans who served in South Korea since 1953, and let me tell you that it was not a cake walk, that have never received any recognition for their service. Those that have not received their Korea Defense Service can apply to the branch of service they were in, or contact any VFW Post in the State of Missouri. Gerald Rogers VFW Post 3174 Sikeston, MO 63801