In 2014, the County Council passed Ordinance 14-066 establishing the Veterans Best Practices Working Group. The purpose of the group is to establish an employment-friendly environment for those who work for St. Charles County and served in the armed forces of the United States. Other aims of the ordinance included establishing a position to recruit veterans and to recognize local businesses that have veteran-friendly recruitment practices and places of employment.
As a veteran, Council member, and former employee of St. Charles County’s Community Development Department, I was more than happy to vote in favor of this bill. According to the Bureau of Veterans Affairs, more than 30,000 veterans live in St. Charles County. Over 100 veterans work for your County Government. These men and women have fantastic skills and work ethics that they brought back to the community. Taking the time to welcome and assist those who have sacrificed so much to serve our country is our duty.
To help further the purpose of the Veterans Best Practices Working Group, members have created a display to honor veteran employees. The display, in the lobby of the County’s Administration Building, at 201 N. Second Street in St. Charles, features a television monitor that runs a slideshow of veteran employee pictures, names, County departments and branches of service; a display case with veteran employee memorabilia; armed forces seals; and the U.S., State and County flags.
I encourage you to stop by and see the display! The combination of photos, interviews and memorabilia is moving and impressive. The slideshow will run during regular County business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For questions about the display and the Veterans Best Practices Working Group, please contact Chairman Dennis Wiss, Director of Smartt Field Airport, at 636-949-1893.