10/27/2010
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Gov. Joe Manchin today awarded $200,000 from the Governor’s Contingency Fund to the West Virginia National Guard Foundation (WVNGF) to assist in its mission of providing emergency relief for members of the West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) and their families. Funds also will be used to preserve the history and the heritage of the WVNG.
“The dedication and service of our men and women in uniform gives the assurance we are safe and secure,” said Gov. Manchin. “That’s why it’s important for West Virginia to take care of our own and make every effort to support them in their time of need.”
The WVNGF is a nonprofit organization formed in 1992 to provide emergency relief, in the form of grants and loans, for members of the WVNG and their families. In its nearly 20 years of existence, the foundation has helped hundreds of citizen-soldiers and airmen facing personal hardships and emergencies.
“Other active-duty military branches have private relief agencies for their respective members,” said Bill Raney, chairman of the WVNGF board. “It is incumbent upon West Virginia to ensure our soldiers and airmen have a resource to help them out in times of personal crisis.”
The last nine years have been the busiest period in the history of the West Virginia National Guard. In addition to overseas and North American deployments, the WVNG has never failed to respond to a call for help in West Virginia.
Guard members have responded more than 41 times since 9/11 to state emergencies - providing more than 10,000 soldiers and airmen to help the state’s communities rebuild after a disaster.
“The frequency, duration and effects of recent conflicts have driven the need for a robust program that can assist service members with difficult issues,” said Raney. “Just as our service men and women dedicate themselves to improving our quality of life, the WVNGF works to improve their quality of life.”
Contact Information
Jama L. Jarrett
304-558-2000