Christian Giggenbach
Register-Herald Reporter
LEWISBURG - Officials from the West Virginia American Legion presented 16 disabled veterans from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with $500 checks Tuesday at the Greenbrier County Courthouse.
The $500 awards to veterans from Greenbrier, Pocahontas, and Monroe counties were part of a larger $500,000 grant given to the national American Legion by The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes.
Disabled veterans who have a 30 percent or higher disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and served in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom were eligible for the awards.
"It is with sincere thanks that we present this grant today to a fellow military veteran who served our country with honor and pride," state American Legion commander George Sinkewitz told the veterans during a brief ceremony. "We present this on behalf of your fellow veterans and a grateful nation."
Ronceverte Police Chief Michael Smith, who had a grenade explode in his face while serving in Iraq two years ago, said the injury has left him "photo-sensitive" to light and he must wear sunglasses to protect his eyes, even indoors.
"I was blinded for about five minutes when the grenade was thrown at our truck," Smith said. "I was able to continue that day, but I have encountered vision problems since then."
Ruth White, with the local American Legion, said four of the 20 recipients were unable to attend Tuesday’s ceremony, but they will still receive their checks. White applied for the grants and sent the paperwork to the national American Legion.
