Armed Forces Association Hosts Veteran Appreciation Day at Jefferson Barracks

An appreciation day at Jeffereson Barracks let veterans reconnect and learn more about the benefits they've earned.

More than 150 members came to the Joint Armed Forces Reserve Center Saturday to get legal and financial advice, learn about health insurance and real estate, among other things, according to a news release.

David Riley, a retired master sergeant with the National Guard, said they try to keep members briefed on what benefits they are entitled to.

“Sometimes military retirees can get swept under the rug, so we want to reach out to these folks and let them know what their benefits are," he said in a news release.

Some of the organizations at the event included the American Legion, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and military service organizations such as Operation Homefront and the Family Readiness Group.

Col. Wendul Hagler, Missouri National Guard chief of staff, said these meetings are a key way to reach out between those actively serving and those who have retired.

"Too many of our military men and women are suffering as a result of military service and that is just not right," he said. "That’s why we’re reaching out to you today.”