VA Medical Centers provide numerous services for local veterans. The FBI Center provides vital criminal justice information to the federal agency. What do these two entities have in common? They have topped the list of priorities for Senator Shelley Moore Capito as she works to improve the state of West Virginia. The Senator will serve on the Appropriations Committee.
"I think that the FBI and the VA provide a lot of jobs in West Virginia but they also provide an enormous service, the VA to our Wes Virginia veterans, but the FBI to the nation," said Senator Capito.
Senator Capito says that through the appropriations process she hopes to solidify jobs within our state. She hopes to do so through the continued growth of organizations like the FBI, which has a presence right here in Clarksburg.
"We have a great presence with the FBI, it's expanding, and we want to make are that expansion takes place in West Virginia," said Senator Capito.
Through her role, Senator Capito will help consider bills that provide resources to our state. Resources like those that could help fund the continued success of the local center, which one man is calling a vital service.
"Having the FBI Criminal Justice Information Center in Clarksburg is vital. They've been great dealing with the state of West Virginia with resources, training, and just anytime I needed a question answered they were right there responding on the spot," said Sergeant Scott Pettry, State Police/ Director of Criminal Identification Bureau for West Virginia.
Also on the senators list are VA Medical Hospitals and veterans. Our state has a very large population of veterans who have served our country, and the Senator hopes to give back to them by improving the care they receive.
"I'm going to be looking at making sure the VA is well funded and that our veterans can take advantage of the Choice card to use their veteran benefits in the private sector," said Senator Capito.
One local vets, and an official at our local VA Medical Center shared stated that they are pleased with the Senators efforts to give back to local vets.
"The VA is very fortunate to have legislative officials that assist us in providing resources to America's veterans," said Dr. Glenn Snider, Interim Director for the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center.
"It makes me feel great. I think they should back us. I mean you know we served our country and West Virginia is one of the largest veteran states," said David Cozad, local veteran.