STATEMENT ON THE 22ND ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11

"We honor those who lost their lives on September 11th, the families who still mourn them, the brave first responders and our service members who answered the call that day and in the aftermath. Our nation was forever changed and we are eternally grateful for the sacrifices made by so many Americans. Through our pain and heartache, the American spirit prevailed, showing more resilience and courage than ever before. As we reflect on this day, Gayle and I encourage all West Virginians to recommit themselves to service, family, community and country. May God bless each and every one of us, may God protect our troops, and may God bless the United States of America."

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2023 U.S. CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREE ESSAY CONTEST FOR WEST VIRGINIA FOURTH GRADERS

The Capitol Christmas Tree – known as “The People’s Tree” – lights up the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol during the holiday season and is selected from a different national forest each year. This year, the tree will come from West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest.

West Virginia 4th grade students are invited to describe in 500 words why they love West Virginia’s forests and public lands, incorporating the theme of the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree: “Endlessly Wild & Wonderful.” Senator Manchin will select one student to receive a once-in-a-lifetime all-expenses paid trip for the winner and one guardian to travel to Washington, DC to take part in the official tree-lighting ceremony alongside members of the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate and the public. The student will be invited to attend several other festivities during their visit and may have an opportunity to read their winning essay publicly.

Entry deadline is Tuesday, September 26th.

CONTEST DETAILS

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Manchin Mobile Monday is hitting the road to assist West Virginians with state and federal issues in all 55 counties. If you need assistance with the VA, SSA, or any other agency, I encourage you to stop by, bring any relevant paperwork & speak with a member of my staff.
September 18: 11am - 1pm Mercer County Courthouse, 1501 W Main Street, Princeton, WV 24740

SUPPORTING VETERANS IN OUR COMMUNITIES

Are you a Veteran who deployed to a combat zone but never enrolled in VA health care? If you left active duty between September 11, 2001, and October 1, 2013, you should apply today. But act fast—the deadline is September 30, 2023.

Apply for VA health care now

Not you? Don’t worry. You may still be able to enroll directly in VA care. Learn more here

Apply anytime for PACT Act benefits

Mr. Shrader of Ballard contacted my office for assistance with his pending claim for Social Security disability benefits. As a result of a inquiry from my office to the Social Security Administration, Mr. Shrader's application was approved and was put into pay.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance with a state or federal agency, please contact my office at 304-342-5855.

United Way / Washington Works

With the help of my staff, I’m honored to have lent my support for several events in the state: the Sweet Street Birthday Celebration sponsored by Chemours to celebrate the 100th anniversary of United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley and the 75th anniversary of the Washington Works site in Wood County; September 11 Service of Remembrance at Heritage Port.

September 11 Heritage Port

BUSINESS FINANCING - Need new equipment? The WVEDA Equipment Financing Program allows eligible in-state businesses in specific sectors up to $2 million in loans for development and expansion. Contact the WV Economic Development Authority at (304) 352-6213 for more information.

.gov WEBSITES - Only the U.S. government and public sector organizations can obtain a .gov website and email address. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on an official government site. Contact Consumer Action’s hotline at (415) 777-9648 or online if you have a question about a suspicious site.

WEST VIRGINIA OUTDOOR ADVENTURES - Our country's 63rd national park, the New River Gorge, does not require an entrance pass and offers free camping! View a list of all state parks and other federal recreation sites in West Virginia. Learn more about interagency passes (free for Veterans and their families) to more than 2,000 federally protected recreation areas across the United States.

HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS - Those who no longer qualify for Medicaid and CHIP can turn to the Marketplace for insurance coverage. 4 in 5 customers are able to find health coverage for $10 or less a month. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 for more information and to enroll.

UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED INDIVIDUALS - Many clinics throughout the state offer free or low-cost health care options for West Virginians. Use this search tool to find a clinic in your area.

HEALTH CARE FOR VETERANS - Medical Foster Homes are private residences that can serve as an alternative to a nursing home. Learn more about the program which provides highly individualized assistance in a non-institutional setting.

Find job opportunities in your area:

USAJOBS.gov - the federal government’s official employment site with opportunities across the United States and around the world

State of West Virginia job opportunities
Search for WV apprenticeship programs by county
WV Women Work - skilled trades training for women
WorkForce WV employment database
National Labor Exchange job postings
Department of Transportation open job postings
DHHR open positions throughout the state
Department of Education job opportunities
WV K-12 Education Job-Bank