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Military veterans who want to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil are touring the country, and made a stop in Springfield Wednesday. KSMU's Jennifer Moore met up with them and heard what they had to say.

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Vets Tour America Speaking Against Foreign Oil

Local veteran Jack Hembree listened as vets from Operation Free gave their presentation at Missouri State University. (Photo Credit: Jennifer Moore)

Vets Tour America Speaking Against Foreign Oil

Matt Victoriano, a veteran of the Iraq war, said America's dependence on foreign oil is hurting its national security and the environment. (Photo credit: Jennifer Moore)

Vets Tour America Speaking Against Foreign Oil

Three veterans made a stop in Springfield Wednesday to talk with Missouri State University students about America's dependence on foreign oil, and why they think it's detrimental to national security and the environment. (Photo credit: Jennifer Moore)

The National Veterans for American Power Tour is scheduled to hit 16 states. The veterans say they’re trying to convince Americans that the country’s reliance on foreign oil is dangerous for both national security and for the environment.

Brendan Flynn, veteran of the US Coast Guard, was one of the individuals who stopped to visit with students at Missouri State University. He says as long as America depends largely on foreign oil, particularly from the Middle East, it won’t have the freedom to make security decisions unilaterally.

"If we were to become less over-reliant on this particular source of energy, it would free us up to focus on things that are really important to American security closer to home, perhaps," he said.

Also traveling with the group on a biodiesel-powered bus is Matt Victoriano, a former Marine and veteran of the Iraq War. He spoke against using foreign oil from an environmental perspective.

"Right now, there are options for biofuels, nuclear, cleaner coal, solar, wind [energy]. There are a lot of different options out there," he said.

The national tour began in front of the US Capitol on January 13th. It is financed by Operation Free, a coalition of veterans and non-profit agencies dedicated to raising awareness on climate change and national security issues.

For KSMU News, I'm Jennifer Moore.

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