Dear Editor:
As we approach Veteran’s Day 2012, I would like to remind West Virginia veterans and current military members -- from all eras, ages, and services - to complete the 2012 West Virginia Military Survey.
The deadline for completing the survey, sponsored by the West Virginia Legislature, is Nov. 30. The survey may be completed online or by calling 1-855-299-6605 for an interview.
From the survey, the Legislature hopes to obtain a comprehensive picture of how our veterans and military members are faring in areas relating to work, education, family, retirement, health, and access to benefits for service members. Responses are confidential, and the information will not be published or released in any form that would identify an individual participant.
We hope that results from the survey will help our state improve services and resources for military heroes and their families and will lead to veteran-friendly changes in state legislation.
More than 8,000 postcard invitations to participate in this survey were mailed in late September. However, according to the 2010 census, over 200,000 current or former members of the military reside in West Virginia. So we are concerned that many won’t have heard about the survey.
As a state with one of the highest per capita participation in the military, it is very important that we honor the sacrifices that have been made for us by being sure that members of the military are well taken care of when they are return home. Please spread the word and encourage all veterans and service members to complete the survey.
To thank those who assist in this effort, survey participants will be entered into a drawing for a VISA cash gift card (one $500 gift card, five $100 gift cards, and thirty $50 gift cards will be given away; military/veteran status of all gift card winners must be verified before prizes are awarded).
And don’t forget -- Veterans Day and every day, thank veterans for their service to our country and our state.
Sincerely,
Barbara Evans Fleischauer
Morgantown
Editor's Note: Fleischauer, D-Monongalia, is co-chair of the Select Interim Committee on Veterans Affairs in the West Virginia Legislature
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