I want to take a moment of your time and provide you with one military retiree’s observations of Senator Hannah Geffert.

After 37 years of service in both the West Virginia Air National Guard and the U.S. Air Force, I have learned to gauge a person’s character based on the three Air Force Core Values: integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do.

I have personally known Hannah Geffert for over 30 years, and she personifies all three values. Hannah has never shied away from the hard topics or decisions in her life. She is honest and forthright about what she believes in, yet always takes the time to hear and process opposing points of view, ensuring that any actions she takes are in the best interest of all West Virginia citizens.

Hannah is a mentor by nature and has taken so much action to enrich the lives of everyone she knows, especially teenagers and young adults that were struggling with life events and decisions. I cannot count the number of troubled youth I am directly aware of that she lovingly guided to a productive and happy life. That, in itself, speaks to her character and values.

Senator Geffert is not a career politician. She is not looking for monetary gains, business advantages or any other personal favors her vote could garner. Rather, she truly wants to make West Virginia and the Eastern Panhandle a better place to live, learn and work. This is exemplified in the way she has always lived her life and served those around her. Her current campaign for the 16th Senatorial District is fueled only by her desire to continue to fulfill the needs of the community she serves.

I will be voting for Senator Hannah Geffert, and I respectfully urge you to do the same.

Kim Sencindiver, of Kearneysville