New law to offer medal to Missouri veterans, National Guard members who served in Afghanistan

MISSOURINET – U.S. military members are given a variety of service awards and medals that they may hold near and dear to their heart. Now, that number is increasing.

Missouri Veterans Commission Executive Director Paul Kirchoff says that a new state law will offer a medal to National Guard members and Afghanistan War veterans who served on active duty from 2001 to 2021.

“As the Iraq Medal as an example, there are very few that have actually applied for that.  I think part of that is because they just don’t know it’s available. This is an opportunity to bring forth knowledge not just about the Afghan medal but the Iraq medal as well.”

Another key provision in the law will require two Missouri agencies to find additional ways to fight veteran suicide. It will also make it easier for veterans to get a handicap placard for their vehicles.