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Leading the Fight Against Hunger: Meet Chad Morrison, CEO of Mountaineer Food Bank

Chad Morrison, a native of Braxton County, West Virginia, has always had a deep-rooted passion for history, the outdoors, and community service. Since stepping into the role of CEO at Mountaineer Food Bank in 2015, Chad has been instrumental in expanding food access across the state. With experience in food sourcing, grant writing, and managing the Mobile Food Pantry program, he brings a hands-on approach to tackling food insecurity.
Beyond his leadership in the fight against hunger, Chad resides on a cattle farm in Sutton, WV, where he enjoys the peaceful rhythms of rural life with his wife and two daughters. Whether exploring hiking trails or immersed in a good book, he finds inspiration in the land and its people—fueling his commitment to making a lasting difference in the community.

This keeps the tone engaging, professional, and mission-driven. Let me know if you’d like any refinements!

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Kickstarting the Journey: The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State Opening Assembly

Welcome to the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State Opening Assembly! We are thrilled to have you all here, ready to embark on an incredible journey of leadership, citizenship, and personal growth.

Firstly, we would like to introduce the American Legion, a remarkable organization dedicated to supporting our veterans and nurturing future leaders like yourselves. Their commitment to service and community is truly inspiring.

We also want to take a moment to honor our POW/MIA servicemen and women. Their sacrifices remind us of the cost of our freedom and inspire us to strive for a better world.

Next, we will recite the Pledge of Allegiance, a powerful expression of our loyalty to this great nation. As we say these words, let us remember the principles they represent: liberty, justice, and the pursuit of a better tomorrow.

Finally, we will observe a moment of silence as we play Taps. This solemn bugle call serves as a poignant reminder of the service and sacrifice of our military personnel.

Once again, welcome to the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State. Let’s make this a memorable and transformative experience for all!

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Spotlight on Talent: The West Fork River Revue at Boys State

Get ready for an evening of talent and entertainment at the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State program with the much-anticipated “Boys State Got Talent” show! This year, we’re thrilled to introduce the “West Fork River Revue,” a showcase of the incredible talents of our ALMBS citizens. From singing and dancing to comedy and magic, the West Fork River Revue is a annual celebration of the diverse skills and creativity within our Boys State community. Don’t miss out on this exciting event that promises to be a highlight of the program! Let’s cheer on our fellow citizens as they take the stage and share their unique talents with us all.

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The Four Chaplains: A Tale of Heroism and Sacrifice and Edward Jones: Guiding Your Financial Journey

Edward Jones is a leading investment firm that was founded in 19221. The firm specializes in providing personalized financial solutions for individual investors. With a disciplined, established process that centers on its clients, Edward Jones offers a wide variety of investments, including certificates of deposit, bonds, stocks, and mutual funds. The firm operates more than 15,000 branch offices throughout North America, making it the brokerage firm with the most branch offices in the United States. Edward Jones is known for its long-term investment philosophy and its commitment to helping clients achieve their financial goals.

The Four Chaplains, also known as the Immortal Chaplains or the Dorchester Chaplains, were four chaplains who made the ultimate sacrifice while rescuing civilian and military personnel as the American troop ship SS Dorchester sank on February 3, 1943. The chaplains, George L. Fox, Alexander D. Goode, Clark V. Poling, and John P. Washington, came from different faiths – Methodist, Jewish, Reformed Church in America, and Roman Catholic respectively. When the ship was torpedoed by a German submarine, they helped other soldiers board lifeboats and gave up their own life jackets when the supply ran out. They joined arms, said prayers, and sang hymns as they went down with the ship. Their selfless act of courage and unity is remembered as one of the most heroic stories of World War II.

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An Evening Tribute: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Boys State

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, is a historic monument dedicated to U.S. service members whose remains have not been identified. It serves as a symbol of honor and respect for the sacrifices made by these soldiers. In a special ceremony this evening at the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State program, a replica of this revered monument will be on display. This replica serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the unknown soldiers, bringing the spirit of this national monument closer to the citizens of Boys State.

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Swearing-In of Tomorrow’s Leaders: The Inaugural Ceremony with Judge Michael Aloi

We are pleased to announce the inauguration of the newly elected government officials of Boys State, to be installed by the Honorable Judge Michael John Aloi. This momentous ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter in leadership and civic responsibility. Judge Aloi, with his esteemed legal background and dedication to justice, will preside over the installation, symbolizing the commitment to law and order that defines our democratic process. We invite you to witness the embodiment of our values and the promise of our future as these young leaders take their oaths and step into their roles to serve and lead with integrity.

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Mac Warner: Champion of Election Integrity and Visionary Leader

Andrew McCoy “Mac” Warner, serving as West Virginia’s Secretary of State since 2017, is a West Point graduate and a veteran of the U.S. Army JAG Corps. With a law degree from West Virginia University and an LL.M. in International Law, Warner has dedicated his career to upholding democratic principles and election integrity. His tenure has been marked by efforts to enhance election cybersecurity, reflecting his commitment to secure and fair electoral processes. A family man with deep West Virginian roots, Warner is also known for his advocacy for conservative values.

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Honoring Service and Sacrifice: The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State Flag Retirement and Memorial Tribute

This evening is a solemn and significant occasion as we gather together, both in spirit and through this live stream, to honor tradition, memory, and service. Today, we are conducting a flag retirement ceremony, a respectful farewell to the symbols of our nation that have proudly flown over our heads. This ceremony is not just about the fabric and colors; it’s about the ideals, the sacrifices, and the unwavering spirit they represent.

We also take a moment to remember the cherished members of the Boys State Family who are no longer with us. In the “Post Everlasting,” we honor their contributions, their mentorship, and the legacy they have left behind. Their memories continue to guide us and inspire future generations.

Furthermore, we pay tribute to our female veterans, whose courage and dedication have been instrumental in shaping our nation’s history. Their service, often unsung, deserves our deepest respect and gratitude.

Join us as we reflect on these profound acts of patriotism and remembrance. May this ceremony remind us of the values we hold dear and the collective responsibility we share in carrying them forward.

 

Those honored during the Post Everlasting Ceremony are:

  • General Thomas “Tom” Bartlett III (ALMBS Graduate)
  • Paula Jean Booth (Past American Legion Auxiliary Department of West Virginia President)
  • Rocco Fucillo (ALMBS Staff and Supporter)
  • Katena Svingos Karnes (Past American Legion Auxiliary Department of West Virginia President)
  • Roger John “Kat” Michael (Past Sons of The American Legion Detachment of West Virginia Commander)
  • Jack Morgan (US Navy Veteran and ALMBS Supporter)
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Leading by Example: Mark McMillion’s Impactful Journey

After retiring as a lieutenant colonel, Mark founded McMillion Leadership Associates, a company dedicated to delivering practical leadership training. But here’s the intriguing part: Mark returned to the program where it all began—West Virginia’s Premier Leadership Academy. As a West Point graduate, he had received unparalleled training in leadership, and now he was sharing those insights with the citizens of the program. His passion for developing effective leaders led him back to the very place where he honed his own skills. Mark’s mantra? “50% of great leadership is knowing when to get out of the way.” And he’s living proof that leadership isn’t just about giving orders—it’s about building trust, loyalty, and respect. So, whether in combat zones or classrooms, Mark McMillion continues to shape leaders who make a difference

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Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State Party Conventions

Welcome to the live stream of the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State Party Conventions! Today, we stand at the precipice of democracy in action as the Nationalists and Federalists unveil their platforms and introduce their candidates. This is a pivotal moment where the principles of good government come to life through active participation. As our future leaders articulate their visions for progress, we invite you to engage, deliberate, and decide. The general election this afternoon is not just a culmination of this process but a testament to the power of informed citizenship. Join us in this celebration of democracy and witness the shaping of tomorrow’s leaders.

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