PHOTOS: Capito Makes Stops in Eastern Panhandle to Tour Community Projects

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) made stops in Berkeley Springs and Martinsburg to receive updates on and tour community projects. To begin the day , Senator Capito traveled to Berkeley Springs, W.Va. where she toured Blue Ridge Community and Technical College’s new welding laboratory, which recently opened and will help address the region’s growing demand for skilled trades workers while also repurposing the former War Memorial Hospital building. “I was glad to join leaders from Blue Ridge Community and Technical College here in Berkeley Springs to tour the new welding laboratory and see firsthand how this facility is preparing West Virginians for good-paying careers in the skilled trades,” Senator Capito said. “This new lab is a great example of how we can invest in our workforce while putting an existing community asset to new use. As demand for skilled workers continues to grow across West Virginia, initiatives like this will help ensure our students have the hands-on training and opportunities they need to succeed right here at home.” “Blue Ridge Community and Technical College thanks Senator Capito for her support and interest in our new welding lab, the veterinary technician program, the plastics manufacturing lab at our technology center, and the developing aviation maintenance technology program,” Dr. Peter Checkovich, President of Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, said. “The Senator’s support made these programs possible. For our students, the programs represent an opportunity to secure a good career in vibrant industries. For our employers, the programs represent a well-trained workforce and a secure future. Senator Capito’s emphasis on workforce development and economic development is an essential driver of our progress at Blue Ridge and the Eastern Panhandle region.” U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours Blue Ridge Community and Technical College in Berkeley Springs, W.Va. on Thursday, August 13, 2026. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours Blue Ridge Community and Technical College in Berkeley Springs, W.Va. on Thursday, August 13, 2026. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours Blue Ridge Community and Technical College in Berkeley Springs, W.Va. on Thursday, August 13, 2026. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours Blue Ridge Community and Technical College in Berkeley Springs, W.Va. on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Next, Senator Capito traveled to Martinsburg to tour the WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center where she received updates on operations. Additionally, Senator Capito toured progress on the new hospital tower that will expand patient services, and received an update on the YMCA of Berkeley County beside the medical center. “It was great to visit Berkeley Medical Center and see firsthand the incredible work being done to care for families across the Eastern Panhandle. As this region of our state continues to grow, the leadership and staff here continue to excel to deliver the services our people need,” Senator Capito said. “I was especially glad to see the progress on the new hospital tower, which represents an important investment in the future of health care in our community. Expanding patient services and making sure West Virginians can receive quality care close to home is something I will always be proud to support.” “We are honored to welcome Senator Capito and proud to share the remarkable progress taking place across WVU Hospitals East. The story of our organization is one of growth with purpose, expanding access to care, investing in our workforce, recruiting outstanding providers, and advancing transformative projects that will serve our communities for generations to come. While the numbers tell an important story, what makes me most proud is the impact behind them: more patients receiving care close to home, more career opportunities for local residents, and stronger partnerships that are helping improve the health and vitality of the Eastern Panhandle. This visit is an opportunity to showcase the dedication of our team members, the strength of our mission, and the tremendous momentum we are building as we continue to meet the needs of a growing region. The future of healthcare in our communities is incredibly bright, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share that vision and progress with Senator Capito,” Mark O'Hern, President and CEO, Berkeley Medical Center, said. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito tours WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center in Martinsburg, W.Va. on Thursday, August 13, 2026. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito tours WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center in Martinsburg, W.Va. on Thursday, August 13, 2026. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito tours WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center in Martinsburg, W.Va. on Thursday, August 13, 2026. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito tours WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center in Martinsburg, W.Va. on Thursday, August 13, 2026. # # #