A new website unveiled by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin at the state Capitol on Wednesday aims to assist military members returning from deployment and veterans find employment, health benefits and further their education.

The website, www.wvmilitaryconnection.org, is the result of a number of agencies coming together to help military members, Tomblin said.

Companies can post information on the website about job openings, education opportunities and other services aimed at military members.

Lt. Col. Joel Miltenberger helped put together the employment aspect of the website.  He is the program coordinator of the WV National Guard's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

State Adjutant General James Hoyer says troops often have problems when returning home from a war zone.  He says the website can play a key role in re-integrating military members back into society.

Miltenberger says the website has been operational for about two months and there are already a number of success stories.  He says companies are looking to hire people with qualities that are developed in the military.  The website will be key in helping match those qualities with companies, he said.

Hoyer says another important element of the site is the fact that many jobs being posted are connected to natural gas drilling in the Marcellus shale.  Natural gas could help the Untied States more energy independent and less likely to be involved in turmoil in the Middle East, he said.

Interested military members can visit the website at www.wvmilitaryconnection.org.