FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 02, 2013


Velleri Hired as Director for the State Veterans Cemetery at Higginsville


Missouri Veterans Commission Executive Director Larry Kay announced the appointment of Teddie Velleri as Director for the State Veterans Cemetery at Higginsville. The appointment becomes effective December 9, 2013.  She replaces Jess Rasmussen, who will retire December 31, 2013 after 19 years of service.
Velleri served in the United States Army for seven years, first with the Criminal Investigation Command in Korea and later as an Office Manager and training NCO at Fort Leonard Wood's Drill Sergeant School. She joined the Missouri Veterans Commission in January 2008 as Procurement Officer where she oversaw all aspects of purchasing by the commission.
"I am very pleased that Ms. Teddie Velleri has accepted the position of Director, Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Higginsville," said Stan Baughn, Director of the Missouri Veterans Commission Cemetery Program, "Ms. Velleri brings a wealth of experience to her new position as well as a passion for Veterans. I am very confident that she will continue the tradition of excellent customer service at the Higginsville State Veterans Cemetery.”
As Director, Velleri will oversee the 55 acre cemetery with approximately 20,000 burial sites along with a Columbarium with approximately 500 niches for cremations. Interment in the cemetery is free to all honorably discharged active duty veterans and reserve or national guard members who are eligible for retirement or who have been activated by the federal government and completed the period for which activated.  Spouses and dependent children are also eligible for interment.  All interment services are free and include burial plot, upright granite marker, opening and closing of the grave, concrete grave liner, and perpetual care.   Military Funeral Honors are also available upon request through the funeral provider.
The Missouri Veterans Commission, a state agency, operates seven State Veterans Homes, five State Veterans Cemeteries, and the Veterans Services Program.  The Commission is committed to honoring and serving Missouri's Veterans whose dedication and sacrifices have preserved our nation and its freedoms.  For more information about the Missouri Veterans Commission programs, call 573-751-3779, online at www.mvc.dps.mo.gov, or facebook.com/MissouriVeteransCommission.

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For more information, call 573-522-1421 or e-mail Daniel.Bell@mvc.dps.mo.gov