There's no question that the Iraq war has been, and continues to be, an infinitely serious matter to all Americans. But in a state like West Virginia, which offers up more soldiers than nearly any other, we face the stark reality of war on a daily basis as we watch so many members of our communities leave and pray for their safe return. It seems to me that most West Virginians are proud of this state, but times like this are when we really shine.
West Virginia has a long history of contributing to the United States military.
According to the state Veterans Affairs Office, West Virginians had the highest participation rate during the Korean War, 16.2 percent. West Virginians also represented the highest death rate in the Korean War - about 40 war-related deaths for every 100,000 citizens. About 800 West Virginia soldiers died during the Korean War.
During the Vietnam War, West Virginia had the highest casualty rate in the nation, according to U.S. Department of Defense statistics quoted in a local news article. Our state had 711 casualties, which amounted to 39.9 deaths per 100,000 people. In the Vietnam War, 20.3 percent of West Virginia men participated.
And only three states had a higher participation rate than West Virginia during World War II. Thirty-six percent of West Virginia's male population took part.
This state has paid a very high price. We lost 6,965 soldiers to World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Their names are listed on a memorial located at the State Capitol.
Just last week, Army Spc. George A. Mitchell Jr. was buried in Keyser. Mitchell, who was fatally wounded April 7 by an artillery shell that struck a communication center in the outskirts of Baghdad, had reenlisted last year after 10 years as a civilian in the Army Reserves. It was a sobering reminder to all of us.
Although much of the combat in Iraq has ended, there is still much work ahead for the military, as well as grave dangers. At the same time, news is surfacing that the Pentagon is quickly making plans to move tens of thousands of U.S. troops from bases in Germany to create new bases in the former East Bloc countries of Hungary, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria.
Unfortunately, it seems that the job never ends. So we must do what we can to show our support. Letters, cards, care packages - all are very appropriate and welcomed by homesick soldiers. But at the state level, the Legislature will continue to look at measures to honor and provide help for our veterans.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has agreed to donate 5.5 acres of land beside the VA Medical Center in Clarksburg for a state veterans nursing home. Federal grant money will pay about 65 percent of the building costs for the $20 million facility, but the rest is being financed through the West Virginia Lottery's "Veterans Cash" scratch-off game, which the Legislature approved in 2001. This new complex in Clarksburg would provide quality medical care to veterans who need full-time, long-term medical treatment.
* Legislation adopted during the 2003 session has created a special revenue fund to receive gifts and donations for the support of veteran facilities.
* Also passed during the 2003 session was legislation that establishes a program administered by the Public Service Commission to regulate the costs associated with the placement of federally provided grave markers for West Virginia veterans. The bill authorizes the PSC to regulate fees and rates charged by cemeteries and companies that set and install grave markers.The only two fees that will be permitted are an installation fee and a permanent endowment care fund fee.
* The Legislature also adopted this year a resolution urging the Department of Transportation, the members of the West Virginia congressional delegation to work with the Legislature to expedite the construction of an access road to the Beckley Veterans Administration Medical Center.
* The Legislature has continued since 1996 to allocate $150,000 annually for vans to transport veterans to area VA hospitals. Also since 1996, the Legislature has earmarked $270,000 annually for re-education assistance. In the past eight years, the Legislature has directed $4.12 million toward programs to benefit veterans, as well as toward the ongoing creation of the veterans' monument at the state Capitol Complex.
Each day, as we go to the supermarket, to our jobs, to public schools and libraries, to worship and to play, we must remember that these common liberties which we all enjoy, are attributable to all those who have served our country at home or abroad. We thank them for our freedom. And to our men and women currently in service and far from home, your safe return is our most fervent prayer.
I welcome and appreciate your input on these issues, or any other legislative matter. Please call me at (304)340-3106 or write to Delegate Virginia Mahan, 215-E, Capitol Complex, Charleston, WV 25305.