Charleston Civic Center Hosts National Conference

• {West Virginia}...More than 2,000 soldiers and airmen from across the country packed the Charleston Civic Center for the 40th Annual Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States National Conference Monday. Personnel listened to speeches from ranking military officials and some politicians  while military budget cuts to reduce the national deficit weighed on the minds of many. Maj. General Jim Hoyer, who is the adjutant general for the West Virginia National Guard said across-the-board cuts would take a dramatic toll and devastate the National Guard's ability to respond to natural disasters, as well as help fight the nation’s wars. Hoyer said they are relying on politicians to prevent budget cuts to National Guard programs. The conference continues through Wednesday.