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Andrew “Mac” Warner: A Dedicated Leader Safeguarding West Virginia’s Democracy

Andrew “Mac” Warner proudly serves as West Virginia’s 30th Secretary of State, currently in his second term. With a background in the military, law, and international experience, Secretary Warner has made significant contributions to ensuring the integrity of elections and facilitating business registration processes.

Secretary Warner graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and obtained his law degree from the West Virginia University College of Law. He also pursued advanced legal studies at the University of Virginia Law School and the Army’s Judge Advocate General’s School.

During his 23-year career in the United States Army, Secretary Warner served in various roles across the globe. He played important roles in military operations, including participating in the capture and transfer of suspected war criminals. His diverse experience includes serving as an artilleryman, prosecutor, defense counsel, command adviser, and law instructor. Notably, he served as the Chief of International Law for the US Army Europe in Heidelberg, Germany, and was a staff member at the U.S. Army War College.

After retiring from the military, Secretary Warner worked with the U.S. State Department in Afghanistan for five years. There, he led a team responsible for advising Afghan institutions on organizational capacity building and the rule of law. His efforts focused on supporting the Afghan Supreme Court, Attorney General’s office, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Women’s Affairs.

Secretary Warner was first elected as Secretary of State in November 2016 and took office in January 2017. He prioritized election integrity and cybersecurity, working closely with county clerks to achieve record-setting numbers in voter registration during his first term. Under his leadership, West Virginia removed deceased, duplicate, outdated, inaccurate, and convicted felon voter files, amounting to approximately 25% of the state’s registered voters. Measures such as voter identification and the establishment of an anti-fraud unit significantly enhanced confidence in election integrity.

Secretary Warner’s commitment to transparent, fair, and fraud-free elections has gained national recognition. He collaborated with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to develop educational programs on election security and cyber threats. His expertise in safeguarding voter databases and election systems has positioned West Virginia as a leader in election security.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Secretary Warner’s administration successfully conducted the 2020 election cycle. West Virginia offered multiple voting options, including electronic voting for military personnel, overseas citizens, and individuals with disabilities. As a result, the state achieved the second-highest voter participation in its history, with over 802,000 ballots cast.

In addition to his electoral responsibilities, Secretary Warner played a pivotal role in streamlining business registration. He collaborated with the WVSOS Business & Licensing Division to establish the WV One Stop Business Center, facilitating quick and convenient business registration by bringing multiple state agencies together.

Secretary Warner’s dedication to public service stems from his deep-rooted connection to West Virginia. He was born and raised in Kanawha County and attended George Washington High School in Charleston. He and his wife Debbie Law Warner, who have been married for 39 years, raised four children, all of whom have served or are currently serving in the United States military.

 

More information on the WV Secretary of State may be obtained here: https://sos.wv.gov/

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Senator Joe Manchin Extends Warm Welcome to Mountaineer Boys State Participants in Special Video Message!

Joe Manchin, a U.S. Senator representing West Virginia, has been serving the state since November 15, 2010. Born and raised in the coal mining town of Farmington, Senator Manchin deeply understands the values cherished by all West Virginians—family, common sense, fairness, and hard work. His grandfather, an Italian immigrant and town grocer known as Papa Joe, instilled in him the importance of serving the public, while his grandmother, Mama Kay, inspired his commitment to public service through her unwavering compassion for the less fortunate.

Throughout his political career, spanning from his days as a state legislator to his six-year tenure as Governor and now as a Senator, Joe Manchin has remained dedicated to his philosophy of “retail government.” This approach centers on connecting with constituents and prioritizing their needs and concerns. In Washington, he strives to bring the same spirit of bipartisanship that has guided him throughout his life, working across party lines to find practical solutions for the challenges facing our nation. His aim is to foster a new era of bipartisan cooperation within the Senate and Congress.

Job creation holds paramount importance for Senator Manchin. He firmly believes that the government should act as a partner, not an adversary, in creating an environment conducive to generating quality American jobs. Moreover, he recognizes the necessity of addressing our nation’s fiscal challenges while safeguarding the promises made to seniors and veterans by protecting Social Security and Medicare.

As Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Armed Services, and the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Senator Manchin is at the forefront of critical issues. He advocates for a balanced national energy plan that harnesses all available resources while acknowledging the continued importance of fossil fuels. Senator Manchin envisions a commonsense approach that carefully balances environmental considerations with economic demands, aiming to achieve energy independence in our generation.

Beyond politics, Joe Manchin is an avid pilot, outdoorsman, hunter, angler, and motorcyclist. He has been happily married to Gayle Conelly for over five decades, and together they have three children—Heather, Joseph IV, and Brooke—and are proud grandparents to Joseph V, Sophie, Kelsey, Madeline, Chloe, Jack, Carly, Vivian, Beaux, and Knox.

 

For more information on Senator Joe Manchin office visit: https://www.manchin.senate.gov/

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From Coast to Coast: Jamie Summerlin’s Inspiring Journey of Honor and Impact

Embarking on a remarkable journey on March 26, 2012, Jamie Summerlin, a dedicated veteran of the US Marine Corps, set out on an extraordinary mission. His goal was two-fold: to pay tribute to our Military and Veterans while raising funds for Operation Welcome Home, a West Virginia-based veteran’s facility he co-founded in 2012. Starting from the scenic Coos Bay, Oregon, Jamie ran tirelessly across the nation, covering a staggering distance of 3,452 miles. Over the course of 100 days, enduring 10 pairs of running shoes, his resolute spirit impacted countless lives along the way. Ultimately, he triumphantly concluded his expedition in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, etching his name as the 48th person in history to complete a genuine Ocean to Ocean run across America.

Today, Jamie Summerlin assumes the role of CEO at Guidon Creative, an esteemed events management and promotion company renowned for its expertise in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Offering comprehensive consulting, management, and design services, Guidon Creative caters to events of all sizes, leaving an indelible mark on every occasion.

When he’s not shaping the future of event management, Jamie finds solace in Morgantown, WV, alongside his beloved wife Tiffany. Proud parents to Nicholas and Shayna, they are currently relishing their status as empty-nesters, cherishing the memories of a vibrant family life.

For more captivating insights into Jamie Summerlin’s extraordinary journey, visit: https://freedomrunusa.com/

 

NOTE: Mealtime speakers are sometimes delayed depending on how long it takes for the participants of the program to complete their meal.  If the live stream is active and you see the welcome video, the speaker has not taken the podium yet and we will activate audio at the time of the keynote.

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Welcome to the 84th ALMBS

Get Ready for an Incredible Experience at American Legion Boys State, WVU Jackson’s Mill!

Brace yourselves for an amazing opportunity that’s not to be missed. Prepare to dive headfirst into the dynamic world of government instruction through one of the most respected and exclusive educational programs available to high school students in the United States.

American Legion Boys State is not your typical classroom experience. It’s a hands-on program where you become an integral part of local, county, and state government operations. Founded in 1935 as a response to socialist-inspired Young Pioneer Camps, this groundbreaking initiative was the brainchild of two Illinois Legionnaires, Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card. They brought the first-ever American Legion Boys State to life at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

But wait, there’s more! The American Legion Auxiliary also organizes a similar program for young women called American Legion Auxiliary Girls State. It’s all about empowering youth and providing them with the knowledge and skills to become informed, engaged citizens.

During your time at American Legion Boys State, you’ll learn about the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of being a fully franchised citizen. The training is unbiased and focuses on the inner workings of city, county, and state governments. Led by elected student officials, the activities at American Legion Boys State include exciting sessions in legislation, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, stimulating assemblies, and even musical performances by talented bands and choruses. And let’s not forget the recreational programs that will keep the fun and camaraderie alive throughout the week.

To participate in this incredible program, high school juniors are selected by American Legion posts. In most cases, a sponsoring post, local business, community-based organization, or even an individual covers the Citizen’s sponsorship to the program. It’s a collective effort to ensure deserving students like you can be part of this transformative experience.

American Legion Boys State programs are held in all American Legion Departments across the country, except for Hawaii. While each program operates as a separate corporation, the core concept remains the same: teaching government from the grassroots level all the way up to the state level. So, get ready to dive deep into the fascinating world of governance and learn how to make a difference in your community.

As proud participants of American Legion Mountaineer Boys State, you should know that this program holds a special place in history. It is the second oldest Boys State program in the nation, dating back to 1936. What makes it even more unique is that it continues to be held at its founding location—WVU Jackson’s Mill. Despite the challenges faced during the war years and again during the COVID pandemic, the Boys State Board of Directors made the difficult decision to cancel the program in 1943, 1945, 2020, and 2021 due to the exigencies of the time.

So, get ready to embark on a remarkable journey filled with knowledge, growth, and unforgettable experiences. American Legion Mountaineer Boys State at WVU Jackson’s Mill is waiting for you to take your place in history. Get set to make lasting memories and friendships that will stay with you long after the event concludes.

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