June 21, 2007

While people around the state enjoy the long weekend and summer-like weather, it is important to also set aside some time to remember those we’ve lost, in particular those who sacrificed their lives to protect and serve our country.

As the former chair of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I know the Legislature is mindful of the fact that West Virginia sends more people to war per capita than any other state, and a large number of our own are currently on active duty. During my tenure in the House of Delegates, lawmakers have adopted several measures to try to better honor our veterans.

In 2006, we created veterans’ bonuses for those serving in Iraq, as we have created for the veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam Era and for veterans of conflicts in Lebanon, Panama, Granada, Afghanistan and Kosovo.

This year, we expanded an existing law that provides tuition and fees for any member of the Guard enrolled in undergraduate study to include master’s degree programs.

Also this session, I was cosponsor of a House Concurrent Resolution 75, which called for an interim committee to take a close look at the needs of soldiers and veterans who have been injured in the Iraq/Afghanistan wars so that committee can offer recommendations on how the state of West Virginia can assist in getting them the care they deserve. It is our understanding that many returning veterans are being cared for in out-of-state facilities.

There are four Veterans Hospitals in the state of West Virginia, and many public and private hospitals and rehabilitation centers capable of offering our injured soldiers the care they need, closer to their families, friends and support networks. There is a network of Veterans Assistance Centers, field offices and volunteer organizations which could be enlisted to provide assistance to our injured soldiers and veterans. It would seem our soldiers and veterans could be better cared for here.

Beyond the work of the Legislature, there is an entire state agency, the Division of Veterans Affairs, dedicated to West Virginians in the service. While the US Department of Veterans Affairs is in place to pay a veteran exactly what he or she asks for when entitled, the state Division helps West Virginia veterans obtain all benefits to which he or she is entitled. There’s a big difference.

The agency also maintains the following special programs.

* Each year the Governor and Medal of Honor recipient lights a candle in a solemn memorial service memorializing those veterans killed in service. The candle burns in the State Capitol Rotunda during the Memorial Day weekend.

* Along with the US Department of Veterans Affairs and veterans organizations, the Division holds a three day conference educating veterans on state and federal benefits available.

* The division prints and distributes instructional material to the veterans organizations around the state to help organizations educate fifth grade students on flag etiquette and history of the flag.

* It assists in developing recognition/awareness programs each year so that residents from around the state recognize our veterans for their many military accomplishments.

* Each year, the agency coordinates a special recognition day before the House and Senate.

* The division also prepares a memorial certificate for each deceased veteran, signed by the Governor, recognizing his or herd service to state and nation.

West Virginia is a state of soldiers and families of soldiers, and while we should honor them every day, now is the time to reflect and give thanks for their service and to pay tribute to those we’ve lost.
I welcome and appreciate your input on these or any other legislative issues. Write to House Majority Leader Joe DeLong, Building 1, Room 228-M, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston, 25305, or joe@joedelong.com, or call 304-340-3220.