U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) was sworn into the United States Senate on November 15, 2010 to fill the seat left vacant by the late Senator Robert C. Byrd. For Senator Manchin, serving as West Virginia's Senator is truly an honor and a privilege.
Born and raised in the small coal mining town of Farmington, W.Va., Sen. Manchin grew up learning the values that all West Virginians share — family, common sense, fairness and hard work. As a small businessman, he learned firsthand from his grandfather, Papa Joe, who was an Italian immigrant and the town grocer, the importance of serving the public. As a young man, his beloved grandmother, Mama Kay, inspired Senator Manchin's belief in public service through her unflagging compassion and desire to help those less fortunate.
West Virginia is one of the most patriotic states in the country and Senator Manchin is proud of the number of Veterans and active duty members that have honorably served our military. As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Senator Manchin works to improve employment opportunities and healthcare access for West Virginia’s Veterans.
Senator Manchin is the co-chair of the Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus and the Senate Post-9/11 Veterans Caucus. Unemployment, underemployment, and access to education and training are some of the biggest problems currently facing America’s Veterans. In addition to our gratitude and support, our Veterans need jobs and the caucus focuses on connecting Veterans with the resources and opportunities to ensure they find meaningful employment.