West Virginia 2022 Regular Session

West Virginia Senate Bill SCR49

Introduced
2/18/22  
Refer
2/21/22  
Refer
2/21/22  
Report Pass
3/2/22  
Engrossed
3/3/22  
Refer
3/4/22  
Refer
3/4/22  
Report Pass
3/11/22  
Enrolled
3/12/22  

Caption

Establishing Honor Guard in each National Guard unit

Impact

If enacted, this resolution would enhance the capacity of the National Guard to provide military honors for veterans, thus improving community services dedicated to honoring former service members. The resolution aims to address the gap where some veterans may not receive the honors they deserve due to a lack of available resources at the local level. By formally establishing Honor Guards in National Guard units, the state proactively seeks to reinforce the dignity and respect afforded to its veterans, signifying a shift toward a more robust support system for military funerals.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 49, introduced by Senator Woelfel on February 18, 2022, calls for the establishment of a designated Honor Guard in each National Guard unit in West Virginia. The purpose of this resolution is to ensure that all honorably discharged veterans in the state receive appropriate military funeral honors, which are traditionally provided by veterans organizations. Due to the limited number of volunteers and aging populations in some areas, many communities struggle to provide these honors for their veterans. The resolution emphasizes the state’s commitment to honoring those who have served in the military, recognizing West Virginia’s significant contribution to the nation’s armed forces.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR49 appears to be predominantly positive among legislators and community members who value the honoring of veterans. The resolution showcases a recognition of the sacrifices made by West Virginians in military service, and supporters view it as a necessary step toward ensuring that all veterans receive the honors they have earned. Discussions suggest a widespread agreement on the importance of honoring veterans, though challenges remain in mobilizing volunteers and resources for the Honor Guard service.

Contention

While there are no significant points of contention documented in the discussions surrounding SCR49, the resolution does point out the existing limitations within local veterans organizations, which may raise questions about funding and resource allocation. Establishing Honor Guards in each unit may require additional training and support from state authorities, bringing forth considerations about the logistics and long-term sustainability of such programs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV HB3254

Establishing the Hershel “Woody” Williams State Military Funeral Honor Guard

WV S0667

National Guard Day

WV HB4341

Establishing a State Military Funeral Honor Guard in honor of Hershel “Woody” Williams, known as the Hershel “Woody” Williams State Military Funeral Honor Guard

WV S0685

National Guard Day in South Carolina

WV H4553

National Guard Day in South Carolina

WV HB1111

Indiana National Guard.

WV SCR2

Recognizing and honoring service members of Oregon National Guard.

WV SR11

A RESOLUTION honoring the members of the Kentucky National Guard, the Tennessee National Guard, and the West Virginia National Guard for their service to the citizens of eastern Kentucky during the flooding events during the summer of 2022.

WV HCR63

Urging The Governor To Send Five Hundred Hawaii National Guard Members To Assist The Texas National Guard In Policing The United States-mexico Border.

WV HR799

Honoring the Virgin Islands National Guard on its 50th anniversary.

Similar Bills

WV HB4406

To establish the West Virginia Military Hall of Fame

VA HB1740

Virginia state militia; officers of certain educational institutions; Randolph-Macon Academy.

WV SB126

WV Volunteer State Defense Guard Act

WV SB291

WV Volunteer State Defense Guard Act

WV SB587

WV Volunteer State Defense Guard Act

WV HB5525

To revise and update all provisions of state code to relating to the West Virginia State Guard

WV HB3091

To revise and update all provisions of state code relating to the West Virginia State Guard

VA HB354

Virginia Military Community Infrastructure Grant Program and Fund; created.