Editor, News-Register:

The Northern Panhandle Veterans Council was established to ensure that our veterans have a voice at every level of government. We have also been working to bring together those organizations that work with, serve, and advocate for veterans. We want to help support one another.

Most importantly, we want to make sure that those who do serve veterans are being held accountable, because currently, some are not. We have made some great strides in a short period of time, meeting and talking with members of Congress, local leaders, state officials, and others who are supposed to be caring for our veterans. Although they hear us, not much has been done. A grave concern we have is with the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance. They are doing what they can with what they have, which is not much. We looked back at the budget provided to the department over the last 10 years. In 2010, the budget was approximately $12 million. Today, that budget in approximately $10 million. We asked many people questions about this and we have gotten the same answers. The finance committee set the budget and the governor signs off on it. The Veterans Committee doesn’t even see the budget until it is signed, having no say in what happens. This is absolutely ludicrous. West Virginia has one of the highest percentages of military service in the country, yet the budget helps provide the bare minimum of resources to veterans. In comparison to other states, West Virginia would rank near the bottom in terms of veterans’ services.

The pay for veteran service officers is one of the lowest in the country, causing many to leave for jobs in other states. They are asked to cover areas far too large to make a significant impact on veteran benefits. Our neighbors in Pennsylvania and Ohio have veteran service offices in every county. We have two people in the Northern Panhandle, where there are over 15,000 veterans!

The Northern Panhandle Veterans Council will continue to do its part and fight for the veterans. We will take our fight to Congress to learn why our budget has decreased from 10 years ago. We know the state has money issues every year, but those who have stood up for the protection of this country deserve to have better services and resources from the state level. Not only do we need the support of Congress, but from citizens of West Virginia as well. Most of us in the Northern Panhandle are either related to a veteran or know someone close to them that served. This is a great opportunity to help give something back. Don’t be afraid to talk to your representatives. They are supposed to work for us.

The Northern Panhandle

Veterans Council, Moundsville