Governor's Column -Honoring The Heroes Who Defend Our Freedom

Governor's Column

Tuesday, November 04, 2003

Honoring The Heroes Who Defend Our Freedom

By Governor Bob Wise

Each November, Americans honor the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces. Veterans Day is an opportunity to not only express our gratitude, but to renew our commitment to veterans and their families.

Every young person who has joined the service has made a sacrifice for his neighbors. Time with one's family, the comforts of civilian life and personal safety are all given up in the name of freedom. In return, the military offers good pay, excellent training in trades and leadership and a chance to see the world. As a society, we must also fulfill our promises by assuring services are provided for them in times of need.

Recently, I had the honor of breaking ground on a phenomenal project that has been years in the making - the 120-bed Veterans Nursing Home in Clarksburg. This more than $20 million facility, adjacent to the Louis A. Johnson Veterans Medical Center, will provide state-of-the-art care to the veterans of West Virginia, as well as 120 jobs for area workers.

Eight new vans have been acquired by the West Virginia Veterans Transportation Program. These vehicles are leased to each of the four veterans' hospitals in the state, who use them to transport patients from remote areas.

Staff members in our Division of Veterans Affairs field offices have received training which allows better service to more clients. In effect, this education will allow twice as many division employees to deal directly with veterans as they work to secure federal benefits and access to other resources.

A $1.4 million federal grant will make the Barboursville Veterans Home safer and more comfortable for residents. Improvements will include stabilization of the historic buildings, Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and a new fire alarm system.

Veterans' service to our nation does not end when they leave active duty. They are business leaders, educators, public servants and workers in every segment of our economy. Many are active in civic organizations or volunteer at schools, libraries and senior centers. They can teach our young people much about the values of courage, patriotism and personal responsibility. In the same way, our commitment to them must not wane as they rejoin civilian life. This Veterans Day, let us join together and do more for those who have done so much for us.