Missouri Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources
Complete directory of Missouri VA medical centers, education programs, veteran employment resources, and support services across the state.
Missouri serves approximately 430,000 veterans - about 9.1% of the state's adult population. Whether you're transitioning to civilian life or already living in Missouri, you need to know what healthcare facilities, education benefits, and job opportunities are available.
This guide provides actual addresses, phone numbers, and actionable information for Missouri veterans.
Bottom Line Up Front
Healthcare: Missouri has 5 VA medical centers, 10+ community-based clinics, and 7 state veterans homes
Education: Veterans Education Program (partial tuition coverage), strong GI Bill support at major universities including Mizzou and Missouri S&T
Employment: State hiring preference, major employers (Boeing, Emerson, Cerner/Oracle Health), Fort Leonard Wood civilian opportunities, and veteran-focused job programs
Veteran Population Hotspots: St. Louis County (55,000+), Jackson County/Kansas City (45,000+), St. Charles County (20,000+)
VA Healthcare Facilities in Missouri
VA Medical Centers
1. John J. Pershing VA Medical Center - Poplar Bluff
Address: 1500 North Westwood Boulevard, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 Phone: (573) 686-4151 Main line: 1-888-557-8262 Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department
Bed count: 58 beds (acute care)
Services:
- Primary care
- Mental health services
- Emergency department
- Surgery
- Cardiology
- Internal medicine
- Neurology
- Women's health
- Dental
- Pharmacy
- Laboratory
- Radiology
Specialty programs:
- PTSD treatment
- Substance abuse treatment
- Homeless veteran services
- Telehealth services
Parking: Free on-site parking
Serves: Southeast Missouri and northeast Arkansas
2. Kansas City VA Medical Center
Address: 4801 Linwood Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64128 Phone: (816) 861-4700 Main line: 1-800-525-1483 Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department
Bed count: 157 beds (tertiary care)
Services:
- Primary care
- Mental health
- Surgical services (general, orthopedic, neurosurgery, cardiac)
- Cardiology (including cardiac catheterization)
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Spinal cord injury center
- Blind rehabilitation
- Women's health clinic
- Prosthetics
- Physical therapy/rehabilitation
- Pharmacy
- Laboratory
- Imaging
Specialty programs:
- Polytrauma support clinic
- Post-deployment health services
- Military Sexual Trauma treatment
- Geriatric evaluation and management
- Home-based primary care
Parking: Available on-site, shuttle service from parking areas
Serves: Kansas City metro, western Missouri, northeast Kansas
3. Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital - Columbia
Address: 800 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65201 Phone: (573) 814-6000 Main line: 1-800-349-8262 Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department
Bed count: 126 beds (tertiary care)
Services:
- Primary care
- Mental health and psychiatry
- Emergency department
- Surgical services
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Women's health
- Spinal cord injury
- Blind rehabilitation
- Prosthetics
- Rehabilitation services
- Pharmacy
Specialty programs:
- Geriatric evaluation
- Home-based primary care
- PTSD residential rehabilitation
- Substance abuse treatment
- Telehealth
Research: Columbia VA is affiliated with University of Missouri School of Medicine and participates in clinical research
Parking: Free parking available
Serves: Central Missouri, 44 counties
4. St. Louis VA Medical Center - John Cochran Division
Address: 915 North Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63106 Phone: (314) 652-4100 Main line: 1-800-228-5459
Services:
- Primary care
- Mental health
- Specialty care
- Geriatric services
- Women's health
- Blind rehabilitation
- Homeless programs
Serves: St. Louis metro area
5. St. Louis VA Medical Center - Jefferson Barracks Division
Address: 1 Jefferson Barracks Drive, St. Louis, MO 63125 Phone: (314) 652-4100 Main line: 1-800-228-5459 Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department
Bed count: 356 beds (largest VA facility in Missouri)
Services:
- Emergency department
- Surgical services (extensive)
- Cardiology and cardiac surgery
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Urology
- Mental health (inpatient and outpatient)
- Spinal cord injury center (Regional SCI center)
- Polytrauma center
- Prosthetics
- Rehabilitation medicine
- Pharmacy
- Laboratory
- Advanced imaging
Specialty programs:
- Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center (serves 7 states)
- Polytrauma transitional rehabilitation
- PTSD treatment
- Substance abuse residential treatment
- Homeless veteran programs
Parking: Ample free parking
VA's Gateway to Health: Jefferson Barracks is the flagship VA facility in Missouri
Serves: St. Louis metro, eastern Missouri, southern Illinois
Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)
St. Joseph CBOC
Address: 3916 South Belt Highway, St. Joseph, MO 64503 Phone: (816) 233-0226
Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth
Cameron CBOC
Address: 1111 Euclid Avenue, Cameron, MO 64429 Phone: (816) 632-1777
Services: Primary care, mental health
Warrensburg CBOC
Address: 1101 West Liberty Street, Warrensburg, MO 64093 Phone: (660) 543-3703
Services: Primary care, mental health, podiatry Serves: Veterans near Fort Leonard Wood area
Mexico CBOC
Address: 300 Promenade Street, Mexico, MO 65265 Phone: (573) 582-0300
Services: Primary care, mental health
Belleville CBOC (Illinois - serves St. Louis area)
Address: 1300 Regency Park Drive, O'Fallon, IL 62269 Phone: (618) 632-1335
Farmington CBOC
Address: 1579 West Columbia Street, Farmington, MO 63640 Phone: (573) 760-1500
Services: Primary care, mental health
Sikeston CBOC
Address: 1001 Reta Street, Sikeston, MO 63801 Phone: (573) 471-1502
Services: Primary care, mental health
Nevada CBOC
Address: 322 South Ash Street, Nevada, MO 64772 Phone: (417) 448-8905
Services: Primary care, mental health
Mt. Vernon CBOC
Address: 600 North Main Avenue, Mt. Vernon, MO 65712 Phone: (417) 466-4000
Services: Primary care, mental health
Cape Girardeau CBOC
Address: 2420 Veterans Memorial Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 Phone: (573) 339-0909
Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory
Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)
Vet Centers provide confidential counseling for combat veterans, military sexual trauma survivors, and bereaved family members.
Kansas City Vet Center Address: 4800 Main Street, Suite 107, Kansas City, MO 64112 Phone: (816) 753-1866
St. Louis Vet Center Address: 2345 Pine Street, St. Louis, MO 63103 Phone: (314) 764-6609
Services: PTSD counseling, substance abuse counseling, employment counseling, family counseling, military sexual trauma counseling, bereavement counseling
How to Enroll in VA Healthcare
Online: va.gov/health-care/apply Phone: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) In person: Visit any VA medical center or CBOC with your DD-214
Documents needed:
- DD-214 (discharge paperwork)
- Social Security card
- Insurance information (if you have other coverage)
State Veterans Homes (Nursing Care)
Missouri operates seven state veterans homes providing skilled nursing, long-term care, and domiciliary services:
1. Missouri Veterans Home - Belton
Location: 10600 Lewis Road, Belton, MO 64012 Phone: (816) 331-5500 Beds: 150 Services: Skilled nursing, memory care Nearest metro: Kansas City (south)
2. Missouri Veterans Home - Cape Girardeau
Location: 2400 Veterans Memorial Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 Phone: (573) 290-5870 Beds: 200 Services: Skilled nursing, long-term care, memory care, short-term rehabilitation Nearest metro: Southeast Missouri
3. Missouri Veterans Home - Cameron
Location: 1600 Euclid Avenue, Cameron, MO 64429 Phone: (816) 632-6010 Beds: 150 Services: Skilled nursing, long-term care Nearest metro: Kansas City (north)
4. Missouri Veterans Home - Mexico
Location: 1 Veterans Drive, Mexico, MO 65265 Phone: (573) 581-1088 Beds: 200 Services: Skilled nursing, long-term care, memory care, short-term rehab Nearest metro: Central Missouri
5. Missouri Veterans Home - Mt. Vernon
Location: 600 North Main Avenue, Mt. Vernon, MO 65712 Phone: (417) 466-7103 Beds: 150 Services: Skilled nursing, long-term care Nearest metro: Southwest Missouri
6. Missouri Veterans Home - St. James
Location: 620 North Jefferson Street, St. James, MO 65559 Phone: (573) 265-3271 Beds: 150 Services: Skilled nursing, long-term care, memory care Nearest metro: Central Missouri (Rolla area)
7. Missouri Veterans Home - St. Louis (Warrensburg)
Location: 10 Veterans Drive, St. Louis, MO 63125 Phone: (314) 894-6500 Beds: 200 Services: Skilled nursing, long-term care, memory care Nearest metro: St. Louis
Eligibility: Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received honorable discharge. Some homes also accept spouses.
Cost: Sliding scale based on income. VA aid and attendance benefits can help cover costs.
How to apply: Contact the facility directly or visit mvc.dps.mo.gov/veterans-homes
Education Benefits for Missouri Veterans
Missouri Returning Heroes Education Act
Missouri's primary education benefit for veterans - provides 50% tuition reimbursement at eligible institutions.
Eligibility:
- Served in armed forces after September 11, 2001
- Received honorable discharge
- Missouri resident for at least 12 months
- Enrolled at participating Missouri institution
- Must have completed degree/certificate program
Important: This is a reimbursement program, not upfront payment. You pay tuition, complete your coursework, and receive 50% back after successful completion.
Benefit amount:
- 50% of tuition costs
- Up to 50 credit hours of undergraduate or graduate coursework
- Does not cover fees, books, or housing
Qualifying schools: Public universities, community colleges, and some private institutions in Missouri
How it works with GI Bill: You can use both! GI Bill pays first, then Missouri Returning Heroes covers 50% of remaining costs (if any).
How to apply:
- Apply for admission to eligible Missouri school
- Use your GI Bill benefits (if applicable)
- Complete your coursework successfully
- Apply for reimbursement through Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development
- Receive 50% tuition reimbursement
Contact: Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development - (573) 751-2361
Wartime Veteran's Survivor Grant
For surviving spouses and children of veterans who died in service or from service-connected disabilities.
Benefit: Full tuition waiver at Missouri public institutions
Eligibility:
- Spouse or child of veteran who died in service OR from service-connected disability
- Missouri resident
- Enrolled at Missouri public university or community college
How to apply: Contact your school's financial aid office with documentation (DD-1300, VA determination letter, etc.)
Post-9/11 GI Bill - Yellow Ribbon Schools
Several Missouri schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, covering 100% of out-of-state tuition for qualifying veterans:
University of Missouri - Columbia (Mizzou)
Yellow Ribbon: Unlimited slots, unlimited contribution Result: Full out-of-state tuition covered BAH rate: ~$1,200/month (varies annually) Veteran enrollment: 800+ student veterans
Contact: Veterans Center Phone: (573) 882-7700 Website: veterans.missouri.edu
Missouri University of Science & Technology (Missouri S&T - Rolla)
Yellow Ribbon: Unlimited slots Benefit: Full out-of-state tuition coverage BAH rate: ~$950/month Veteran enrollment: 300+ student veterans
Contact: Military and Veteran Services Phone: (573) 341-4282
University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL)
Yellow Ribbon: Unlimited slots for undergraduate and graduate Benefit: Full out-of-state tuition coverage BAH rate: ~$1,200/month
Contact: Office of Veterans Services Phone: (314) 516-5317
University of Missouri - Kansas City (UMKC)
Yellow Ribbon: Unlimited slots Benefit: Out-of-state tuition coverage
Contact: Veterans Services Office Phone: (816) 235-1271
Washington University in St. Louis
Yellow Ribbon: 50 undergraduate slots, unlimited graduate slots Benefit: Full tuition coverage (Washington U is private, so in-state vs. out-of-state distinction doesn't apply) BAH rate: ~$1,200/month
Contact: Veteran and Military Student Services Phone: (314) 935-5959
Saint Louis University
Yellow Ribbon: Unlimited slots Benefit: Full tuition coverage BAH rate: ~$1,200/month
Contact: Military and Veterans Services Phone: (314) 977-2548
In-State Tuition for Veterans
Veterans using GI Bill benefits qualify for in-state tuition at Missouri public schools under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA), regardless of residency status.
Eligibility:
- Using Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill
- Living in Missouri while attending school
- Enrolling within 3 years of discharge
Top GI Bill Schools in Missouri (by Veteran Enrollment)
- University of Missouri - Columbia - 800+ student veterans
- Missouri State University (Springfield) - 700+
- University of Central Missouri (Warrensburg) - 600+ (near Fort Leonard Wood)
- Missouri University of Science & Technology - 300+
- Saint Louis University - 300+
- Washington University - 250+
- University of Missouri - Kansas City - 250+
- Southeast Missouri State University - 200+
- Truman State University - 150+
- Missouri Southern State University - 150+
Employment Resources for Missouri Veterans
State Hiring Preference
Missouri law provides hiring preference to veterans for state government jobs.
Who qualifies:
- Honorably discharged veterans
- Disabled veterans (additional preference)
How it works: Veterans who meet minimum qualifications receive additional points in the hiring process, giving priority over non-veteran applicants with similar qualifications.
Where to apply: mo.gov/jobs or Missouri Office of Administration
Missouri Veterans Commission Employment Services
Phone: (573) 751-3779 Services:
- Job search assistance
- Resume writing
- Interview preparation
- Employer connections
- Apprenticeship programs
- On-the-job training programs
- Federal contractor job listings (veterans preference)
Local offices: Available in major Missouri cities
Major Employers Hiring Veterans
Defense and Aerospace (St. Louis Area)
Boeing Defense, Space & Security Primary location: St. Louis (Hazelwood, Berkeley) Programs: F/A-18 Super Hornet, T-7A Red Hawk trainer Veteran programs: Military skills translator, SkillBridge partnership Typical roles: Engineering, manufacturing, program management, quality assurance Employees: 15,000+ in Missouri Website: jobs.boeing.com
Northrop Grumman Primary location: Bellevue (St. Louis area) Programs: Defense systems, aerospace Typical roles: Engineering, cybersecurity, program management
Technology and Healthcare
Cerner (Oracle Health) Primary location: Kansas City Employees: 16,000+ (Kansas City metro) Veteran programs: Active recruiting, military skills transition Typical roles: Software development, IT, healthcare IT, customer support Website: oracle.com/health/careers
Emerson Electric Headquarters: St. Louis (Ferguson) Employees: 7,000+ in Missouri Veteran programs: Military recruiting initiatives Typical roles: Engineering, manufacturing, sales, operations Website: emerson.com/careers
Express Scripts (Cigna) Primary location: St. Louis Typical roles: Pharmacy services, customer service, IT, analytics
Manufacturing
General Motors - Wentzville Assembly Location: Wentzville (St. Louis metro) Employees: 4,000+ Typical roles: Production, skilled trades, quality, maintenance Veteran programs: GM Military hiring program
Ford - Kansas City Assembly Plant Location: Claycomo (Kansas City metro) Employees: 7,000+ Typical roles: Production, skilled trades, engineering
Fort Leonard Wood Civilian Opportunities
Fort Leonard Wood is a major Army installation in south-central Missouri with significant civilian employment opportunities.
Civilian jobs at Fort Leonard Wood:
- Engineering
- IT and cybersecurity
- Administrative support
- Training support
- Facilities management
- Healthcare (Army hospital)
Contractors at Fort Leonard Wood:
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Leidos
- SAIC
- General Dynamics IT
- Parsons Corporation
How to apply: usajobs.gov - filter by Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Healthcare Employers
BJC HealthCare - St. Louis (largest healthcare system in Missouri) Saint Luke's Health System - Kansas City Mercy - Statewide CoxHealth - Springfield
Many healthcare systems offer veteran hiring programs and value military medical training.
Government Contractors and IT
Accenture Federal Services - St. Louis CACI - Multiple Missouri locations Leidos - Kansas City, St. Louis General Dynamics IT - Fort Leonard Wood area Booz Allen Hamilton - Fort Leonard Wood, Kansas City
Apprenticeship Programs
Missouri Registered Apprenticeship programs offer paid on-the-job training in skilled trades:
- Electrical work
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Welding
- Industrial maintenance
- Automotive technology
- Information technology
- Healthcare
GI Bill can often be used for apprenticeships, providing monthly housing allowance on top of apprenticeship wages.
Contact: Missouri Division of Workforce Development Phone: (573) 751-3215 Website: jobs.mo.gov/content/apprenticeship
Veteran Unemployment Benefits
Veterans may qualify for Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX) if separated from active duty in the last 18 months.
Contact: Missouri Department of Labor Phone: (573) 751-3215 Website: uinteract.labor.mo.gov
Support Services
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)
VSOs provide free assistance with VA claims, appeals, and benefits navigation.
Missouri Veterans Commission Headquarters: 205 Jefferson Street, 12th Floor, Jefferson City, MO 65102 Phone: (573) 751-3779 Toll-free: 1-800-382-9433 Website: mvc.dps.mo.gov
Services: VA claims assistance, benefits counseling, state benefits information, veterans homes oversight
County Veterans Service Officers: Available in every Missouri county. Find yours at mvc.dps.mo.gov
American Legion - 230+ posts throughout Missouri Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) - 200+ posts statewide Disabled American Veterans (DAV) - Chapters in major cities Vietnam Veterans of America - Multiple chapters
Homeless Veteran Programs
VA Homeless Programs Hotline: 1-877-424-3838
Grant and Per Diem Program: Transitional housing in St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia
HUD-VASH: Housing vouchers paired with VA case management available at all VA medical centers
Stand Down Events: Annual events in St. Louis, Kansas City, and other cities providing services, clothing, medical care
Mental Health Resources
Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7) Text: 838255 Online chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net
St. Louis VA Mental Health: (314) 652-4100 Kansas City VA Mental Health: (816) 861-4700 Columbia VA Mental Health: (573) 814-6000
Vet Centers (listed earlier) provide free counseling for:
- PTSD
- Depression
- Military sexual trauma
- Readjustment issues
- Substance abuse
Legal Assistance
Missouri Lawyers Care Veterans Assistance Project Free legal services for veterans with discharge upgrades, benefits appeals, and other legal issues Website: Contact your local bar association
Legal Aid of Western Missouri - Kansas City area Legal Services of Eastern Missouri - St. Louis area
County and Regional Veteran Resources
St. Louis County
- Veteran population: 55,000+
- VA Medical Centers: Jefferson Barracks (largest in state), John Cochran Division
- Vet Center: St. Louis
- State Veterans Home: St. Louis (Warrensburg facility)
- Major employers: Boeing, BJC HealthCare, Emerson, Express Scripts
County Veterans Service Office Phone: (314) 615-4590
Jackson County (Kansas City Metro)
- Veteran population: 45,000+
- VA Medical Center: Kansas City VAMC
- Vet Center: Kansas City
- State Veterans Home: Belton
- Major employers: Cerner/Oracle Health, Ford, federal government
County Veterans Service Office Phone: (816) 881-3319
St. Charles County
- Veteran population: 20,000+
- VA access: St. Louis VA facilities (15-25 miles)
- Major employers: General Motors Wentzville, healthcare
County Veterans Service Office Phone: (636) 949-7550
Boone County (Columbia)
- Veteran population: 10,000+
- VA Medical Center: Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital
- Major employers: University of Missouri, state government, healthcare
County Veterans Service Office Phone: (573) 886-4405
Greene County (Springfield)
- Veteran population: 18,000+
- VA access: Nearest VA medical center in Fayetteville, AR (approx. 150 miles)
- Major employers: CoxHealth, Mercy, Missouri State University
County Veterans Service Office Phone: (417) 868-4149
Key Takeaways
- Enroll in VA healthcare immediately - Missouri has excellent VA coverage with 5 medical centers
- Use Missouri Returning Heroes Act - Get 50% of your tuition back after completion
- Leverage state hiring preference - Apply for state jobs
- Target Boeing and defense contractors in St. Louis - Strong veteran recruiting
- Connect with your county VSO - Free help claiming all benefits
Missouri's veteran support infrastructure is strong, particularly in healthcare access and education benefits. The state genuinely supports its veteran population with tangible benefits.
Additional Resources
- Missouri Veterans Commission: (573) 751-3779 | mvc.dps.mo.gov
- VA St. Louis: (314) 652-4100 | va.gov/st-louis-health-care
- VA Kansas City: (816) 861-4700 | va.gov/kansas-city-health-care
- VA Columbia: (573) 814-6000 | va.gov/columbia-missouri-health-care
- Missouri Job Search: jobs.mo.gov
- GI Bill School Search: benefits.va.gov/gibill/comparison
Information current as of January 2025. Contact facilities directly to verify hours, services, and eligibility requirements.