International Rural Aging Project

Provider Workshops

The Aging Veterans of Military Service
Convener: George Bilicic, Institute, WV, USA


World War I surviving veterans of military service are few in number and, in chronicle age, are among the old and frail. Surviving veterans of World War II are in their 70’s and 80’s, and Korean War veterans who served during this UN-sponsored effort to defend South Korea are in their late 60’s to mid 70’s. The United States has an obligation to its aging veterans who gave their best during their youth and now need in their older years compassionate behavior from our national leaders and taxpayers.

The United States is not alone in meeting the challenges of caring for the veterans of military service. Other countries, too, sent their young men and women off to wars to defend their beliefs and national honor. These veterans from other countries, as well as ours, have aged.

Besides the building of monuments, what is being done by governments and private organizations to cause a respectable quality of life for the aging veterans of military service? A panel of experts on veterans’ affairs will share their views and experiences in working with the aging veterans of military service.

Gail Harper, Charleston, West Virginia
State Director, Veterans Affairs; State Service Officer, Veterans of Foreign Wars, State Service Officer of the American Legion, Vice-Chairman of WV Jobs for Veterans Committee

Carl E. Lowe II, Huntington, West Virginia 
Director, VA Regional Office in Huntington, WV

Charles Draper, Barboursville, West Virginia 
Administrator, West Virginia Veterans Home

David Pennington, Huntington, West Virginia 
Medical Center Director, Huntington VA Medical Center (VAMC)

William Johnson, Charleston, West Virginia 
Vietnam Veteran

Norf Nelson, Chareston, West Virginia 
State Adjutant-Quartermaster, Veterans of Foreign Affairs, WV

George Bilicic, Institute, West Virginia 
Provost, Community and Technical College, West Virginia State College, Institute, West Virginia