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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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Are you ALMBS ready?

The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State returns to developing the “Men of Tomorrow” in 15 days. Are you ready for this Week that Shapes a Lifetime?

Here is a preparation checklist:

  • Read entire contents of the Citizen Packet.
  • Obtain physical examination and bring completed WVSSAC Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physician’s Certification Form and Affidavit and Consent to Treat to Registration. The Affidavit and Consent to Treat requires a parent(s)/guardian(s) signature and must be notarized.
  • Attend an orientation session. (RSVP online; only two session remain June 1 and June 5)
  • Visit ALMBS website https://wvboysstate.org.
  • Subscribe to our channel on YouTube at https://y.wvboysstate.org, follow us on Twitter at: https://t.wvboysstate.org, follow us on LinkedIn at https://i.wvboysstate.org, like our Facebook page at: https://f.wvboysstate.org, and join the discussion on our Facebook group at: https://fg.wvboysstate.org.
  • Study law lecture, under the Legal Career Path.
  • Develop a plan (What you want to do/be at The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State.) and backup plan(s). (If first, second, third, etc. plans fail.)
  • Complete career path application, if interested; the Banking, Journalism, Office of Emergency Services, Corrections, State Police, DNR Police, Forensic Laboratory, and Homeland Security/National Guard career paths are hired positions and require the completion of an application.
  • Pack personal belongings/items, including one pair of navy-blue shorts, musical instruments, etc. per enclosed instructions.
  • Complete and bring the following additional forms to registration: ALMBS Pledge, Proposed Legislation Form, Summer Foods Household Application, National Guard Waiver, and Order Form.
  • Arrive at WVU Jackson’s Mill Main Pavilion (near swimming pool and West Virginia Building) on Sunday, June 12, 2022, between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. (early arrival is recommended) with completed ALMBS Pledge, Proposed Legislation Form, Summer Foods Household Application, National Guard Waiver, WVSSAC Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physician’s Certification Form, notarized Affidavit and Consent to Treat, and Order Form, personal belongings, musical instruments, etc. and no more than $50.00 spending cash.

We look forward to your arrive in June as we return to WVU Jackson’s Mill for our 83rd session of ALMBS!

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Judge Kurt Hall Addresses ALMBS

General Logo

Judge Hall is a native of Brunswick, Ohio. He has a bachelor’s degree (1990) in Mining Engineering Technology from Fairmont State University and worked as a project engineer/Certified Mine Foreman’s Assistant before earning a law degree from West Virginia University College of Law in 1995.

Judge Hall was elected to a new seat in the Twenty-Sixth Judicial Circuit (Lewis and Upshur Counties) in May 2016. He took office on January 1, 2017.

He was a law clerk in an Elkins law firm, a public defender in the Second Judicial Circuit (Marshall, Tyler, and Wetzel Counties) and then a Randolph County assistant prosecuting attorney. He was an assistant prosecuting attorney in Harrison County for eleven years before then-Governor Earl Ray Tomblin appointed him to the circuit bench in the Twenty-Sixth Judicial Circuit (Lewis and Upshur Counties) in 2013. He served sixteen months but was unsuccessful in retaining the seat in the 2014 election. He went on to work as a Lewis County assistant prosecuting attorney.

Judge Hall is a member of the Hopes Point Baptist Church and the Lewis County Senior Center Board of Directors. He and his wife, Liz, live in Jane Lew with their three children.

More information: http://www.courtswv.gov/lower-courts/counties/lewis.html

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