JEFFERSON CITY — This week, Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg, will meet with members of the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) in conjunction with the organization’s “Missouri Living in the New Normal Public Engagement” event. The event will be held in Blue Springs.

“Taking care of the family support systems for today’s military members is one of our highest priorities,” Sen. Pearce said. “The men and women who make the choice to serve our country deserve to come home to a family unit, not walk in to a fractured home. Our goal with this event, and others like it, is to make Missouri a more military-friendly state.”

During deployment, spouses and children of military members remain home, worrying about the health and well-being of their soldiers, as well as the daily problems of their households. Military members often have to learn a new daily routine, far-removed from the home they’ve left. When the deployment ends, and the soldier returns to his or her family, dynamics have to be relearned and adjustments need to be made. This process is often the most difficult, as all the new patterns that have been established have to be modified yet again.

Many political officials are asking for assistance for soldiers returning home, not only in the financial aspects, but also for mental and emotional support for these men and women and their families, so that they can take the time needed to reintegrate into society and are able to take back the lives they left behind before leaving their loved ones.

“Taking part in this event set to cover topics relevant to our military, including deployment, homecoming, loss, and resilience, is an opportunity I welcome,” Sen. Pearce said. “During the recent session, the General Assembly passed many measures beneficial to Missouri’s brave men and women to better serve those who serve us and their families waiting at home. Senate Bill 106 and Senate Bill 110 both deal with aspects of child custody and visitation in regards to deployment and service, as well as other provisions. House Bill 168 allows a military member leaving the military, but stationed in Missouri, to stay in the Show-Me State for their education and pay in-state tuition. By addressing issues such as these, we look forward to members of all branches of the military remaining in our state and calling Missouri their permanent home.”

The event runs for two days, and will culminate with a sharing of findings after the panel discussions.

To learn more about the Military Child Education Coalition’s work, visit www.militarychild.org, or call (254) 953-1923.