They served their country, many saw combat, and now they call St. Charles County home.
The number of veterans living here is 24,085, according to numbers provided by the Missouri Veterans Commission, a state agency with an office in the County Administration Building.
“That’s quite a bit of people, about six percent of the County population, and they have an impact on the County,” says Veterans Service Supervisor David Taylor.
Taylor says veterans here get Veterans Administration pensions, medical and other benefits that help the local economy.
“That’s money that helps them and it helps the whole community,” Taylor says. “Things like VA loans for buying houses with no down payments, veterans discounts at local stores. That discount brings them in the store and they buy other things.”
Most of the work Taylor does involves helping veterans understand how to apply for benefits. He says they get a lot of calls from veterans with medical problems, seeking Veterans Administration disability benefits.
The office also helps people understand the VA pension process. The pension is described as a supplemental pension for lower income, disabled war-time veterans.
For those who do qualify, Taylor says the average St. Charles County veteran would be getting about $1,200 to $1,800 in monthly pension—tax free. Some get more, some less, depending on service, disability, net worth and income.
The office also helps veterans apply for tuition assistance through the Veterans Administration.
Apart from their economic impact, Taylor says St. Charles County veterans are having a positive impact on the culture of the county.
“A veteran is not going to be afraid of helping someone,” Taylor says, “A veteran is a proud member of the County, displays their flag and supports their country.”
For more information on how the Missouri Veterans Commission can help you, Taylor says give him a call at 636-949-7900 extension 7213. Or you can send him an email at David.Taylor@mvc.dps.mo.gov.