I was recently honored to receive The Patriot Award from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. As I stood beside actor Tom Sellack, a tireless advocate for veterans across America, and the Memorial Fund’s President, Jan Scruggs, I felt greatly humbled by the men and women who had gathered to give the award to me, and by the brave soldiers who we dedicate our veteran’s memorials to across West Virginia and our Nation.
The State of West Virginia is and has always been foremost in providing its sons and daughters for the defense of our country. The patriotism of West Virginians is a matter of history’s record. Year after year, I have seen on the faces of veterans, young and old, the gratitude of knowing their service has not been forgotten.
The Vietnam Memorial Fund’s most recent project, one I have been wholeheartedly working for, is “The Education Center at The Wall: America’s Legacy of Service.” This center will create a valuable learning opportunity for one of our most recognizable veteran’s memorials, housing artifacts left at the memorial over the years and teaching visitors more about the names and dates on the reflective black wall.
I take time often to remember those who came before me and who have protected the Nation we cherish. I have worked alongside VA hospitals, met with veterans and championed legislation that honors their sacrifices. I know you also make an effort to recognize these brave men and women when you see them.
If you live near a VA hospital or clinic, take the time to visit and say “thank you.” Those two simple words can make a big difference in the lives of those who have done so much for us.
If you don’t live near a VA facility, call a veteran you know and thank them for their service. If you’re traveling through an airport and see a young serviceman or woman departing for combat, let them know you are grateful.
For those of us in Congress, it is vital that we support our veterans not just with our speeches, but with our budgets. At long last, it’s a new day for America’s veterans. After years of VA budgets that barely kept up with inflation, the new Congress is working hard to honor the promise to veterans.
Just this last week, I was pleased to announce important funding that will flow into veteran’s services in West Virginia through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that the Congress passed earlier in the year. There is $1,645,000 allocated to the Beckley VA Medical Center to replace steam and plumbing lines and modernize patient areas. There is also $6,240,000 for the Huntington VA Medical Center to replace air handling units and a steam distribution system, to renovate Prosthetics and Rehab Medicine, to renovate and modernize inpatient ward finishes, and to upgrade Outpatient Waiting. And there is an additional $12,299,773 for other VA Medical Centers outside of the Third District.
In addition to funding for VA Medical Centers, $71,522 have been set aside for maintenance and repairs to the National Cemeteries Administration in West Virginia. These monies will ensure that our veterans are honored even after they are no longer with us.
I was given the Patriot Award for my work as Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee and for my unending dedication to protecting the National Monuments we have erected to honor veterans. Most recently, I have worked with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to jumpstart a mobile teaching center that educates Americans around the country on the war in Vietnam.
Although the fighting ended more than 30 years ago, our work as a Nation to reconcile with all that took place during the Vietnam era continues. The black granite that comprises the Vietnam Veterans Memorial has become an internationally recognized memorial, and a powerful physical reminder of duty, honor, and country.
U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) represents West Virginia’s 3rd District.
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