Senate Resolution Also Recognizes Those Currently Serving Around the World
On Monday, February 17, 2014 the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 31, recognizing that day as Veterans Visibility Day. Many veterans were in attendance to show the importance and strength of veterans in West Virginia, a state that has had more men and women per capita serve in the military than any other state. The Senate honored those who have served and those who are currently serving.
The resolution stated, “…The Senate is proud to honor those currently serving in harm’s way in Iraq, Afghanistan and in other countries all over the world to protect democracy from the threat of terror…”
There was one veteran in attendance, Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams, who the Senate specifically recognized. In 1945 Williams was presented with a Medal of Honor by former President Harry S. Truman. Williams is a Fairmont, W. Va. native who enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves in 1943. He received his Medal of Honor for his bravery at the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Williams is one of seven still living Medal of Honor recipients that served in World War II and the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from the Battle of Iwo Jima. While presenting the resolution in the Senate, Senator Erik Wells read the same citation President Truman read while presenting the Medal of Honor to Williams over half a century ago.
In the Citation, President Truman spoke in detail of Williams’ courageous acts that played an important role in defeating the Japanese stronghold in the battle of Iwo Jima. “Quick to volunteer his services when our tanks were maneuvering vainly to open a lane for the infantry through the network of reinforced concrete pillboxes, buried mines and black, volcanic sands, Corporal Williams daringly went forward alone to attempt the reduction of devastating machine-gun fire from the unyielding positions.” The citation goes on to say that Williams is an exemplary Marine, who’s extraordinary determination was instrumental in defeating the Japanese and helping his regiment reach its goal.
Recognizing the importance of protecting West Virginia veterans, Senate Bill 523 was read for a first time last week after passing out of the Finance Committee. The bill assists West Virginia’s aging veteran population and an 150 person waiting list at the veterans nursing home in Clarksburg, by proposing another veterans nursing home in Beckley.
House Legislation Honors and Assists Those Who Have Served
The House of Delegates’ recognition of February 17 as Veterans Appreciation Day marked the beginning of a week that resulted in the passage of five bills that legislators hope will assist and honor those who have served. The session started with a citation presented by House Speaker Tim Miley (D-Harrison) to honor West Virginians who have served our nation. The House went on to pass bills pertaining to death certificates, POW/MIA, licensure, and veterans’ assistance.
House Bill 2165 was the first to pass. This bill would allow the State Registrar to supply up to two certified copies of death certificates at no charge to the veteran or active member’s estate. The request for the copies would have to be made within 30 days of the death.
House Bill 2895 was passed in honor of prisoners of war and those missing in action. Courthouses and other government buildings would be required to display the POW/MIA flag at the standard size defined by U.S. Code, alongside the United States flag and West Virginia’s state flag, daily. The concept of a POW/MIA flag came about when Mary Hoff, spouse of the missing in action Michael Hoff, approached the advertising agency Annin and Company’s vice president Norman Rivkees about creating a symbol for these soldiers. The agency created a concept that received approval from the National League of Families and began manufacturing and distributing it.
A bill was passed in an effort to ease the licensure process for military members and their spouses. House Bill 4151 would allow for the licenses of service members to remain in good standing without having to meet continuing education requirements and paying fees. This would remain in effect for up to six months after discharge. If the spouse of an active duty military member moves into the state, he or she would receive a temporary license on an expedited manner. A waiver of application fees would be provided for certain spouses.
Delegates overwhelmingly supported House Bill 4268, which relates to transportation for West Virginian veterans. This bill states that the Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Assistance can award grants to provide for the transportation of veterans and removes the per diem rate for van drivers. The organizations that provide the transportation service would administer the program and manage the expenses with grant funds.
House Bill 4350 would create the West Virginia Veterans Medal and the West Virginia Service Cross to honor those who have served in the military. The Veterans Medal would be awarded to any state resident who served in a federally-recognized military service for at least 30 days during armed conflict. The Service Cross would be awarded to any recipient of a federal achievement medal, commendation medal, meritorious service medal, or medal of valor. He or she would have to meet the criteria for the Veterans Medal as well. Those serving in the National Guard would be awarded medals as well if they meet the criteria.
Each bill is now waiting on consideration from Senate committees. House Bill 2165 will go through the Senate Military Committee and the Government Organization Committee. House Bills 2895, 4151 and 4268 have been sent to Government Organization.
