New member sworn in the Veterans Service Commission

BELMONT COUNTY (WTRF) - Virgil West of Belmont County was sworn in today as the newest member of the county Veterans Service Commission.

They said many veterans returning from the battlefield have a difficult time re-entering society.

Many have PTSD and feel that no one understands.

The Belmont County Veterans Office in Bellaire offers assistance in a number of ways.

They urge veterans to stop in for a visit.

Veterans Service Commission, Virgil West said, "Just stop in and talk to our highly well trained service officers. They're trained not only statewide but nationally to sit down and communicate with you. The need that you feel, the need that they can help find for you, the need that you may want. The need from heating to clothing to whatever you feel inside that you want to communicate with."

Veterans Service Commission, Mick Zingo said, "For example, Agent Orange from Vietnam. The laws have changed so much And a lot of veterans don't realize that they're eligible for these benefits related to the Vietnam activity."

Belmont County Common Pleas Court, Judge Frank Fregiato said, "The Veterans Commission is one of the greatest organizations in Belmont County, Ohio. The men and women of that commission and in that organization do a great job on supporting the veterans."

They provide free transportation to the VA Hospital in Pittsburgh every day.

They also provide free grocery vouchers, and financial assistance to veterans as well as their families and widows.

All their services are free, and they said they are there to help.