2010 LEGISLATIVE ISSUES
Making West Virginia More Veteran Friendly
I have served four years as Co-Chair of the Select Joint Interim Committee on Veterans. Our focus has been primarily on veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Our goal has been to ensure that our state is doing everything possible to ease the transition back to normal civilian life.
After unsuccessfully trying to obtain information about returning veterans from the Department of Defense and Veterans Administration, we decided to gather our own information. The Legislature commissioned a survey, led by WVU researchers, of all recent WV veterans who had applied for our state's Veterans Bonus. Over 1,000 replied (survey). Our committee discovered a lot about the difficulties many are experiencing – nearly 48% are suffering either from depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or both. In response, to the survey, the Select Committee has:
- reviewed the many activities of our state Division of Veteran's Affairs (state DVA) and directed the state DVA to upgrade its website, so that returning soldiers, especially those whose bases are out of state, can know where to get help;
- expanded services for veterans in rural areas by obtaining funding for social work and clinical psychology students to do rural rotations;
- expanded transportation assistance for veterans by obtaining funding to reimburse volunteers who drive veterans to VA and other appointments;
- helped pass the Yellow Ribbon Higher Education Bill, which along with the new federal bill, substantially increases financial assistance for veterans.
After hearing of difficulties experienced by veterans at state colleges and universities, the Select Committee distributed questionnaires to find out what was being done to make campuses more "veteran friendly." I am proud that WVU is leading the way. Among other things, WVU has:
- streamlined the administrative process so veterans don't get penalized financially or in their course credits if they are called to active service;
- started veterans-only classes to make the readjustment easier;
- hired a veterans' advocate to assist with benefits and serve as a liaison for students and their families with government agencies, other campus departments, etc.
I am sponsoring legislation that will require the Higher Education Policy Commission to ensure that all colleges and universities have plans to make their campuses more "veteran friendly."
Links to Videos of Interest:
"Bridgeport to Baghdad: Part I - Citizen"
http://www.wvpubcast.org/feature.aspx?id=9175
DESCRIPTION: 30 minutes. Follows four soldiers as we learn about their
family life, why they joined the Reserves, and how their families reacted
after 9/11 to their pending deployment to Iraq.
"Bridgeport to Baghdad: Part II - Soldier"
First half-hour: http://www.wvpubcast.org/feature.aspx?id=9179
Second half-hour: http://www.wvpubcast.org/feature.aspx?id=9204
DESCRIPTION: The 459th participates in the invasion, advancing on Baghdad
with the Marines. There, they become the first soldiers to build a bridge
while under fire since World War II. Back home, their families cope with
the uncertainties and the anxieties of waiting for the next call home.
"Bridgeport to Baghdad: Part III - Citizen Again"
http://www.wvpubcast.org/feature.aspx?id=9063
DESCRIPTION: 30 minutes. Tells the story of West Virginia Reservists
adjusting to civilian life after serving a year in Iraq. In compelling and
very personal interviews, five combat veterans describe the joys and
challenges of coming home. Their family members share their perspective on
what can often be a difficult transition. The documentary also tackles
the major adjustment issues of depression and Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder. As many as one in four Iraq and Afghanistan veterans experience
these combat reactions.
"Student Vets at WVU"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbl4JPvANwQ
DESCRIPTION: 30 minutes. 250,000 veterans have signed up for the new
Post 9/11 GI Bill, which will finance their college education. This
documentary follows the challenges of four vets as they find their way
from the battlefield to the classroom.
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