Gov. Justice holds ribbon-cutting ceremony for new Veterans Assistance office in Parkersburg

10/15/2020

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​PARKERSBURG, WV – Gov. Jim Justice and leaders of the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, showcasing the new location of the WVDVA benefits office in Parkersburg.

“I’m very proud to be able to be a part of opening this new facility,” Gov. Justice said. “When it really boils right down to it, these are the people that have given us every single thing we have. These are the people that ask for so little that have given so much.

“We can never do enough to pay them back for their brave service,” Gov. Justice continued. “But I’m so happy to be able to cut this ribbon today.”
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The new office is located at St. Joseph Landing at 1824 Murdoch Ave., Suite F101, and replaces the previous location in the Wood County Courthouse.

The office is equipped with high-speed internet, which allows Veterans service officers to represent Veterans in the increasing number of virtual benefits hearings held by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new office is also more accessible to Veterans than the previous location, with plenty of free parking and close proximity to several bus routes.
Additionally, the office is larger than the previous location, which allows the Veterans service officers and their clients to more easily practice proper social distancing. The building also houses the St. Joseph Hospital Recovery Center, which treats individuals suffering from substance use disorder, and WorkForce West Virginia’s adult learning and training centers, creating an access point for Veterans who need help addressing employment issues.

The goal is that the building, which used to house St. Joseph’s Hospital, will serve as a one-stop-shop for Veterans’ needs.

“We’re really pleased with this new location,” WVDVA Secretary Dennis Davis said. “It’s in a state-of-the-art building that gives us the opportunity to utilize the technology we need to address Veterans’ issues in today’s world.”

As of today’s ceremony, four new regional Veterans Assistance offices have been opened since last year. Under the Justice Administration, over $2 billion has been provided supporting West Virginia’s Veterans, including funding for medical support, financial loans, education, and more.

“Governor, I can’t say it any better, you have been one of the strongest supporters of Veterans that we’ve ever had, and I am appreciative to be a part of all the great work you’re doing” Sec. Dennis said. “I can honestly say that you’ve committed yourself to our Veterans and, quite frankly Governor, the Veterans know it and they appreciate all that you’ve done.”
In 2017, Gov. Justice signed into law a tax exemption for Veterans, which has made it so military retirement income, including retirement income from the Armed Forces, Reserves, and National Guard paid by the United States or the State of West Virginia is exempt from state income tax.

In 2019, Gov. Justice provided the funding needed to complete the new Wyoming County Veterans Memorial display in Oceana.

In addition, a total of 25 brand-new Veteran transportation vans have been provided to help disabled or injured West Virginia Veter​​ans to their appointments at VA medical facilities across the state.

This year, the Governor has provided $1.395 million from the CARES Act in grants to all 279 Veterans organizations across West Virginia.

Just last month, the WVDVA and Gov. Justice dedicated the West Virginia Turnpike from Charleston to Beckley as the Gold Star Families Memorial Highway and also dedicated the largest Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in the world at the State Capitol Complex in Charleston, both of which stand to honor the memory of West Virginia’s Gold Star servicemen and women – those who paid the ultimate price by giving their life in defense of America – while also honoring the families of the fallen and the challenges they continue to face in the absence of their loved ones.
“I’m proud to be just a small grain of sand in all the good stuff that we’ve done for our Veterans,” Gov. Justice said. “But we needed to do it, and we need to continue to do it. It is what is expected of us in my book.

“We absolutely need to continue to do more and more for our Veterans, and for those of us who may not believe that, you’re just plain wrong,” Gov. Justice continued. “Too often for others, our Veterans are forgotten to some degree. Not with me.

“I am telling you, to God above, we need to support our Veterans at every turn in the road we can, forevermore.”

Contact Information

Jordan Damron, jordan.l.damron@wv.gov

Contact

Office of the Governor
State Capitol, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E
Charleston, WV 25305

Office Phone:
304.558.2000 or 1.888.438.2731

Governor's Mansion:
304.558.3588

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