Manchin's Mountain Message

Service Academy Nomination Selection Board Announced

Earlier this week, a four-member panel interviewed prospective candidates who are vying for a nomination to the four military service academies:  the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy.

It is an honor to nominate our hardworking and dedicated West Virginia Students to the U.S. Service Academies each year and to highlight the many ways West Virginia students can enter the military while also getting a college education. Every member of the panel brings something to the table and I look forward to reviewing the results of the interviews when I make my nominations. I commend all of the students who interviewed with the board, and who are willing to step forward to serve our country. Their sense of patriotism shows the true spirit of West Virginia and the strength of the next generation.

The interview panel includes:

CSM (Retired) Kevin Harry, former West Virginia National Guard State Enlisted Leader

Major Jason Lambert – Headquarters, Marine Corps, Legislative Liaison

Rebecca Tucker– Professor of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, West Virginia University Parkersburg

Zahava Urecki—Legislative Correspondent, US Senator Joe Manchin

The interview process was conducted this week. The Senator's nominations will be announced in November.

How May We Help You?

I truly appreciate the opportunity to hear from my fellow West Virginians. As your U.S. Senator, I am proud to be your voice with government agencies during your time of need. My goal is to provide top-notch customer service for every West Virginian who contacts me, or who may need help.  I have a team of caseworkers in each of my four offices to help you with matters of concern. While I have no direct jurisdiction in the administrative matters of any federal, state, or local agency, I welcome the opportunity to assist you with whatever problem you may be experiencing and ask that full consideration is given to your case.

Recently, Angie Walsh a caseworker in my Martinsburg office, assisted Mr. Thomas Holcomb, owner of Mumsey's Iron Skillet in Fenwick, West Virginia.  After Mr. Holcomb’s business was severely damaged in the 2016 flood, he had secured a loan from the SBA to rebuild.  Unfortunately, the rebuild ran into unforeseen expenses and Mr. Holcomb was having difficulty navigating the loan process with the Small Business Administration, Disaster Loan program.  Angie assisted Mr. Holcomb in communicating with the SBA about his property, the damages and the amount of the assistance needed, and was successful in obtaining the full amount to reopen the restaurant.  Mumsey's Iron Skillet is scheduled to reopen in 2019!