Description
Since its creation in 1878, the “Blue Book” has been a key resource for exploring Missouri?s past, present and future. In addition to providing information on our local, state and federal governments, we include stories, essays and pictures that help preserve our state?s heritage. Countless Missourians have devoted their lives to public service. Every day elected officials and citizens alike give their time to improving the lives of their neighbors and communities. The Official Manual is filled with information about many of these people, as well as the organizations, committees, boards, and government branches that strive to provide good customer service and to make government work for all of us. The desire to give back to one?s state and country is deeply embodied in those to whom this book is the Missouri National Guard. I am pleased to commemorate the 2009?2010 Blue Book to the courageous troops who have served our communities, state, and nation since their start as the Missouri Militia in 1808. True to their motto, Always Ready, Always There, the Missouri National Guard has served nobly in times of peace, natural disaster, and war. Whether fighting the Flood of ?93, the Katrina disaster, or wars in Europe and the Middle East, the men and women of the Missouri National Guard have met every challenge put to them. One of the most notable Missouri Guardsmen, President Harry S. Truman, once remarked that “America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.”
