Patrick James Morrisey, born on December 21, 1967, is an accomplished attorney and politician, currently serving as the 34th Attorney General of West Virginia. A member of the Republican Party, he was elected to the position in 2012, becoming the first Republican to serve in the role since 1933.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Morrisey grew up in Edison, New Jersey. He graduated with honors from Rutgers College with a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science in 1989. He also attended Rutgers School of Law–Newark, receiving his juris doctor in 1992.

Morrisey has had a multi-faceted career in law and public service, including roles as a former Partner and Practice Chair at a major national law firm, a former Chairman of the Republican Attorney Generals Association, a former Chief Counsel to the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee, and an owner of his own law practice.

Throughout his tenure as Attorney General, Morrisey has made fighting fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption a top priority. His office’s total money protected for consumers and taxpayers exceeds $1 billion since 2013.

Today, we are honored to have him as our keynote speaker at the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State.

Jamie Summerlin, a Marine from Morgantown, West Virginia, is known for his Freedom Run across America to honor U.S. veterans. After running his first marathon in 2009, he was inspired to take on greater challenges. In 2012, he embarked on a 100-day journey across America, covering 3,452 miles through 16 states and Washington DC. Along the way, he visited VA hospitals and participated in ceremonies honoring veterans. Today, he continues to support veterans through Operation Welcome Home and other nonprofits, and shares his experiences through motivational speaking engagements.

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The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State (ALMBS) kicked off its first day with a flurry of activities. With the registration of 219 citizens, the day was filled with enthusiasm and eagerness as the participants embarked on their journey of civic engagement and leadership.

The day began with a strong emphasis on getting involved. The “don’t hold back” catchphrase echoed throughout the day, serving as a constant reminder for the citizens to seize every opportunity. Motivational speeches encouraged the participants to engage fully and try new things, fostering an environment of exploration and growth.

A significant component of the day was the focus on Americanism, particularly the POW/MIA table. This powerful symbol served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our brave servicemen and women. It instilled a sense of respect and gratitude, reinforcing the values that ALMBS stands for.

The day also provided practical, hands-on experience for the citizens. They had the opportunity to apply for jobs, giving them a taste of the professional world. This experience is invaluable, equipping the citizens with skills that will serve them well beyond ALMBS.

The excitement was palpable as numerous campaigns officially launched. The citizens stepped up, ready to lead and make a difference. The spirit of participation was evident, with citizens eager to contribute to their community.

An integral part of the day’s activities was the understanding of TAPS. This solemn bugle call, played at dusk and military funerals, is a poignant reminder of the service and sacrifice of our military personnel. The citizens learned about its significance, further deepening their understanding of Americanism.

Day 1 at ALMBS was a testament to the program’s commitment to fostering engaged, informed citizens. As we look forward to the rest of the week, we are excited to see how our citizens will grow, lead, and make a difference.

Upcoming Live Schedule (Monday, June 10, 2024)

  • Monday Breakfast Speaker – 8:15AM (YouTube)
  • Monday Lunch Speaker – 12:45PM YouTube)
  • Americanism Instruction – 1:30PM (YouTube)
  • Monday Evening Assembly – 7:45PM (YouTube)

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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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We are excited to share with you some recent activities that our dedicated staff has been involved in as we prepare for the upcoming program.

Our staff has been busy with intensive training sessions, focusing on the preparation of the immersive Boys State experience. These sessions were designed to equip our staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to guide our citizens effectively throughout the program.

In addition, we have been learning and reviewing emergency safety procedures. The safety of our citizens is our top priority, and we are committed to ensuring a secure and supportive environment for all participants.

In the spirit of service and remembrance, our staff also had the honor of participating in the “Flying Flags for Heroes” program. We placed 125 flags at the Machpelah Cemetery in Weston, paying tribute to the brave individuals who have served our country.

The “Flying Flags for Heroes” program is a noble initiative that aims to honor and remember the brave individuals who have served our country. The mission of this program is to pay tribute to these heroes by placing flags at their resting places, symbolizing our gratitude and respect for their service. This act of remembrance not only honors the memory of these individuals but also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices they made for our freedom. The program seeks to inspire a sense of patriotism and respect for our heroes, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for their contributions to our nation.

Among the notables honored was Jackson Arnold, the first American Legion Department of West Virginia Commander. His dedication and service continue to inspire us, and we are proud to recognize his contributions.

As we continue our preparations, we look forward to welcoming our citizens and providing them with a meaningful and enriching experience at the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State.

Upcoming Live Schedule (Sunday June 9, 2024)

  • Sunday Dinner Flag Lowering – 5:25PM (Facebook)
  • Sunday Evening Assembly – 7:00PM (YouTube)

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Calling all future leaders!

Are you ready to unlock your potential and soar to new heights? Join us at The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State, West Virginia’s Premier Leadership Academy!

This is your chance to:
✅ Develop essential leadership skills ✅ Build lifelong friendships ✅ Engage in hands-on civic engagement activities ✅ Learn from inspiring mentors

Don’t miss this transformative experience. Apply now and take the first step towards an extraordinary future!

#Leadership #WVBoysState #FutureLeaders #ALMBS