Veterans Education
The Veterans’ Education and Training Section is the State Approving Agency (SAA) for Missouri and is located in Jefferson City with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Missouri SAA is responsible for approving GI Bill® programs in Missouri for veterans and other eligible individuals.
The approval process is on-going and involves regular monitoring of the programs. Missouri has over 20,000 eligible people enrolled in programs. The programs are found in approximately 1,000 schools and training establishments and businesses. The VA pays over $40,000,000 annually in education and training benefits in Missouri. The Section assists VA in conducting mandatory compliance visits to ensure benefits are paid properly and maintain approval of programs.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Veterans: To determine eligibility for VA benefits, call toll free (888) 442-4551.
Veterans Education and Training Staff
Jefferson City Office - 1-877-530-2765
| James Henley, Director | 573-751-1250 |
| Michael Flynn, Assistant Director | 573-522-2061 |
| Loretta Fennewald, Program Specialist | 573-751-2571 |
| FAX | 573-526-5710 |
Kansas City Office
| Sharon Sawyer, Assistant Director | 816-241-1705 |
| Gabrielle Contreras, Program Specialist | 816-241-1705 |
| FAX | 816-241-1224 |
St. Louis Office
| Schimelle Curry, Supervisor | 314-416-2125 |
| Suzanne Adam, Secretary II | 314-416-2124 |
| Rachael Summary, Assistant Director | 314-416-2128 |
| FAX | 314-416-2130 |
Troops to Teachers
877-530-2765 - dese.trooopstoteachers@dese.mo.gov
| James Henley, Director | 573-751-1250 |
| Richard Wallace, Supervisor | 816-241-1705 |
| Turner Shipman, Supervisor | 816-292-7726 |
| FAX | 573-526-5710 |
