daily304 - Episode 03.18.24

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Monday, March 18  

Today we talk “defense” in the Mountain State. The WV National Guard partners with the African nation of Gabon to help build their democracy. Major Gen. Bill Crane shares what’s great about West Virginia. And find out why the defense industry says #YesWV…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From METRO NEWS – The West Virginia National Guard has been selected to partner with the African nation of Gabon as part of the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program.

Members of the Guard work alongside military officials in partner nations to show them techniques to help people in crises through natural disaster response. There has also been a good relationship to help with the training of many of the military members in those countries. 

General Bill Crane, head of the West Virginia National Guard, said it’s an extremely important relationship to build with young and emerging democracies.

“The Governor understands the importance of Africa. It is a very wealthy continent, three and a half times larger than the United States. They are full of natural resources and the United States absolutely wants to make sure the citizens of Africa get the benefit of those resources,” he said.

Along with training for disaster preparedness and humanitarian relief, Crane said basic military techniques are also part of the plan. The idea is to develop allies as the democracies mature.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2024/03/10/gabon-becomes-the-third-country-to-partner-with-w-va-national-guard/ 

#2 – From INNOVATORS & ENTREPRENEURS – Major General Bill Crane is Adjutant General of the West Virginia Joint Forces Headquarters. He provides command guidance and vision to more than 6,500 citizen soldiers, airmen and civilians employed through the West Virginia Military Authority.

Listen as he shares his views on protecting our future. 

“What is great about West Virginia in particular – the people of West Virginia – just like you saw during the pandemic response, we didn’t sit around and wait for the federal government to come in and say ‘Here’s how to do this,’” he said. “We looked at the problem, we determined who we had within the organization who could help us fix the problem, and we took care of it ourselves. That’s a very big value we have in West Virginia…”

Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more great content!

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdsDHnJjNo0

#3 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – West Virginia is ready and eager to welcome defense companies and federal agencies seeking a loyal workforce, opportune location and rewarding lifestyle for employees.

West Virginia’s proximity to major metropolitan areas makes it an excellent location for the production of military and defense products and technologies. The Mountain State is within a day’s drive of 34% of the top domestic purchasing sectors, defense contractors and federal agencies. 

The West Virginia National Defense Industrial Association provides additional support for the defense industry to grow and thrive in West Virginia.

Several defense industry leaders already call West Virginia their home. Visit the West Virginia Department of Economic Development online to browse industries in the interactive map and connect with a consultant for further information regarding West Virginia’s competitive advantage.

Learn more:

https://westvirginia.gov/industries/defense/

 

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.