

John Eckhoff and I partnered  to work with the Missouri State Legislature in 1997/1998 to create legislation to exempt homeless veterans from paying the fees associated with criminal background checks that are required when seeking employment and housing.  These fees were draining already limited resources of both veterans and agencies seeking to assist them in regaining a foothold in their communities.

John and I were able to do this work as veterans affairs officers of St. Louis County and St. Louis City.  We made many trips together to Jefferson City to attend legislative committee meetings, speaking with legislators on behalf of the initiative and to testify in support of proposed legislation.  

Finally, in 1998 HB 1046 (pictured) sponsored by Representative James O'Toole 68th District, passed and was signed into law in a ceremony with then Governor Mel Carnahan.  We were fortunate enough to be invited to the bill signing ceremony.

John Eckhoff was instrumental in this and many more initiatives and programs that assisted and supported homeless veterans over the years.  His advocacy for the plight of veterans literally saved the lives of those who had lost out on the economy of opportunity. John's advocacy in our region is sorely missed.


I met John in 1985 when  I  went to the Vietnam Veterans Outreach Center. He was my counselor there and led "rap groups" in which a number of us Vietnam Veterans participated. He organized and led a trip to the Vietnam Wall in Washington D.C. for twenty of us Vietnam Veterans who had previously been unable to visit it. After a year or so  and I was no longer having counseling sessions with him we got to become good friends. It was because of John that I  got involved in a lot of veteran activities and groups around St. Louis. I owe him a debt of gratitude for helping me through some hard times stemming from my Vietnam experiences. I will never forget him. RIP my friend.

Thankful dialysis brought me this gentle soul. My love and hugs to Jan and Josh!  

John was St. Louis Counties VETERANS ADVOCATE...
My life was blessed through our friendship.
May you find blessings in the next life, DEAR FRIEND.

The Joshua Chamberlain Society - St. Louis Chapter

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John Richard Eckhoff

July 18, 1949 – February 25, 2022

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