West Virginia lawmakers want to hear from the state's legions of military veterans in time for the next legislative session.
It is the launching of a comprehensive survey of West Virginia veterans.
Aided by psychologists and counselors, the survey will ask a range of questions about their experiences and current situations.
The goals include identifying services they need and existing programs they may not know about.
More than 8,000 veterans will receive postcards in the mail inviting them to take part. Veterans can also call toll-free 1-855-299-6605 to schedule a phone interview.
They can visit the website www.wvmilitarysurvey.com as well.
The survey follows one that focused on veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia. It prompted programs to aid veterans with education, health care and job training.
The most partisan and possibly least productive Congress in memory has skipped out of Washington so lawmakers can make their case for voters to re-elect them, after Republicans voted down a bill that would have helped returning veterans obtain jobs.