"West Virginia is one of the most patriotic states in the country, and we are proud of the number of veterans and active duty members that have served our military and served honorably and proudly. During this session of Congress, I am strongly committed to working with my colleagues on legislation that will ensure our veterans and their families have the best care and benefits they deserve,"

~Senator Manchin, Maiden Speech

The sacrifices and patriotism of our veterans knows no bounds. They have answered the call of our state and this nation again and again. They have served with unparalleled honor and distinction. As Governor, Senator Manchin was so proud to have been Commander-in-Chief of the West Virginia National Guard – the greatest guard in our nation.

West Virginia is one of the most patriotic states in the country, and we are proud of the number of veterans and active duty members that have served our military and served honorably and proudly. 

West Virginia veterans - Click here for benefit information

Senator Manchin is strongly committed to working with his colleagues on legislation to ensure our veterans and their families have the best care and the benefits they deserve. 

In February 2011, Senator Manchin completed a 9-day fact-finding mission to six countries in the Middle East, traveling through war zones while visiting with national leaders and American allies. The Senator met with foreign presidents and prime ministers, visited with the men and women of West Virginia who are serving on the ground and discussed the operations with seniors U.S. diplomats and military commanders.

A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Manchin was able to include a provision in the 2012 Defense Authorization bill that would require the Department of Defense to finalize a report to West Virginia servicemembers, their families and the American people about what happened in the Qarmat Ali water treatment facility in Iraq in 2003, where 122 members of the West Virginia National Guard were exposed to a lethal carcinogen. 

In order to ensure that veterans are receiving this care and that their concerns are heard, Senator Manchin regularly holds veterans outreach meetings across West Virginia to connect veterans with representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the West Virginia Division of Veterans Affairs who can help address their pressing needs. 

To find out more about Senator Manchin’s events for veterans, please contact his office or check the schedule for the latest event listings.