Jill Biden Lauds Missouri Veterans Assistance Program

PARKVILLE, Mo. -- While the Vice President was in Kansas City fundraising for Democratic U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, Dr. Jill Biden was across town meeting with military members and families.

During a stop at Park University in north Kansas City, the Second Lady received a briefing on "Partners in Care," a faith-based program between the Missouri National Guard and members of the state's religious community to help military families in need.

Biden heard from National Guard Specialist Shane and Jennifer Whitacre, Mobery residents who benefited from the program. Specialist Whitacre was injured during his time serving in Iraq, but did not get his injury fixed until he returned. When he returned, he was unable to help take care of his baby.

At that point, the family reached out to the Partners in Care program, which found them assistance for childcare.

Biden, who has a son serving in the National Guard, said the emotional help the program gives families is a real boost.

"It's not the physical need, it is the emotional need that the pastors are helping with," she said. "I saw it myself when my son was deployed to Iraq."

"This program that you have is really a wonderful program," she said.

Across town, Joe Biden will raise money for Sen. Claire McCaskill and U.S. House candiate Teresa Hensley, who is currently Cass County's prosecutor. 

Biden will attend the $2,500-per-plate luncheon in the Northland. It is closed to the public.

The event, hosted at a private residence, will be the first time Vice President Biden has joined McCaskill in Missouri during her re-election campaign.

Joe Biden will then will hold an event for Hensley at Wheeler Downtown Airport.