(a) There is continued the Veterans Council consisting of 11 members who must be citizens and residents of this state and who have served in and been honorably discharged or separated under honorable conditions from the Armed Forces of the United States, and whose service was within a time of war as defined by the laws of the United States.
(b) Where feasible, members of the council shall be veterans who are active in the veteran community and who have been recommended by a West Virginia veterans service organization, with consideration given to ensure a diverse representation of service branches in council membership. Additionally, no more than seven members of the council shall reside in any one congressional district. The members of the veterans council shall be selected with special reference to their ability and fitness to effectuate the purposes of this article. If an eligible veteran is not available or cannot be selected, a veteran who is a citizen and resident of this state, who served in and was honorably discharged or separated under honorable conditions from the Armed Forces of the United States, and who served during any time of war or peace, may be selected.
(c) The secretary and such officers, assistants, and employees as the secretary considers advisable, shall administer the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance.