Tag Archive for: West Virginia

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E. Gordon Gee: Leading West Virginia University

Dr. E. Gordon Gee, currently serving his second term as president of West Virginia University, is a distinguished leader in higher education with over three decades of experience. Recognized by Time magazine as one of the top 10 university presidents in the United States in 2009, he was recently named the nation’s top university president by Great Value Colleges. Gee’s extensive career includes presidencies at The Ohio State University (twice), Vanderbilt University, Brown University, and the University of Colorado.

Hailing from Vernal, Utah, Gee earned an honors degree in history from the University of Utah. He furthered his education at Columbia University, obtaining J.D. and Ed.D. degrees. Before embarking on his journey in higher education, Gee served as a clerk under Chief Justice David T. Lewis of the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. He also had the privilege of working as a judicial fellow and staff assistant to Chief Justice Warren Burger of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Gee is a prolific author, having co-authored over a dozen books, including the forthcoming publication “What’s Public about Higher Education.” Notable works such as “Leading Colleges and Universities” and “Land-Grant Universities for the Future” have contributed to his reputation as a thought leader. He has also published numerous papers and articles on law and education. With an extensive background in education governance, Gee serves on various boards and commissions, including the National 4-H Council Board of Trustees and the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America. He has held prominent roles such as chair of the Big 12 Board of Directors Executive Committee and Big 12 representative on the College Football Playoff Board of Managers. Gee’s dedication to shaping a more civil and just society is evident through his involvement with the Center for Economic Development (CED) Task Force and his membership in the Education Advisory Board (EAB) Presidents Advisory Council.

Dr. E. Gordon Gee’s leadership and commitment have positioned him as an influential figure in higher education. As the president of West Virginia University, he continues to steer the institution towards excellence, making significant contributions to the university and the broader field of education.

 

For more information on West Virginia University President E. Gordon Gee visit: https://presidentgee.wvu.edu/

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Senator Shelley Moore Capito: A Dedicated Voice for West Virginia

Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican, was elected by the people of West Virginia to serve as a U.S. Senator in 2014, and she was re-elected in 2020. Making history as the first female Senator from West Virginia, Capito secured an impressive victory in 2020, winning over 70 percent of the vote and carrying all 55 counties. This surpassed her previous record set in 2014 when she won over 62 percent of the vote and carried all counties.

With a strong background in public service, Capito represented West Virginia’s Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives for 14 years. Prior to that, she served in the West Virginia House of Delegates for four years. Determined to be an even stronger advocate for her state, Capito ran for Senate, aiming to restore order to a Senate hindered by gridlock. She firmly believes that bipartisan solutions and cooperation across party lines are necessary to address the challenges faced by West Virginia and the entire country.

Accessibility and responsiveness to fellow West Virginians are top priorities for Senator Capito. She regularly travels within the state, taking appropriate health and safety precautions, to listen to and meet with constituents.

Capito serves on several influential committees, including the Appropriations Committee, the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and the Rules and Administration Committee. This committee portfolio empowers her to create new opportunities in West Virginia and fight for the state’s priorities, jobs, and families.

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Capito ensures that West Virginia’s interests are represented in national funding decisions. She has held leadership positions within the committee, including chairing the Legislative Branch Subcommittee, the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, and the Homeland Security Subcommittee. Currently, she serves as the top Republican on the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, overseeing funding for various programs within these departments.

On the EPW Committee, Capito serves as the Ranking Member, leveraging her position to protect West Virginia’s energy and manufacturing jobs and promote investment in the state’s infrastructure. She advocates for a commonsense regulatory strategy, affordable and reliable energy production, infrastructure development, and economic growth.

Capito’s role on the Commerce Committee allows her to address critical issues for West Virginia, notably broadband expansion. She has been a leading voice in advocating for improved connectivity throughout her tenure in Congress.

A lifelong West Virginian, Capito was born in Glen Dale, Northern Panhandle. She holds a B.S. in Zoology from Duke University and an M.Ed. from the University of Virginia. Capito and her husband Charles L. Capito Jr. reside in Charleston. They have three adult children—two sons, Charles and Moore, and one daughter, Shelley—and are blessed with eight grandchildren.

Through her steadfast dedication and commitment to her state, Senator Shelley Moore Capito continues to be a strong advocate for West Virginia’s interests and a prominent voice in the United States Senate.

 

For more information on US Senator Shelley Moore Capito please visit: https://www.capito.senate.gov/

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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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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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ALMBS Orientations Underway

Have you applied to attend ALMBS? Have you registered for an orientation session? Do so today!

You and your parent(s)/guardian(s) are requested to attend an Orientation Session. Preregistration for an Orientation Session is required. The purpose of the Orientation is to acquaint you and your parent(s)/guardian(s) with the ALMBS program. You will meet others who will be attending ALMBS and will have an opportunity to ask questions about the program. Please have the Citizen Packet with you during the Orientation Session.

The program should last approximately 45 minutes. Your local American Legion Post may have a supplemental orientation that will provide additional information. The orientation sessions will be held virtually. It is requested that the citizen be available by video; however, this is not required. Pre-registration should be completed on the ALMBS website at https://e.wvboysstate.org.

To register for an Orientation Session, you will need the password included within the Citizen Packet. After registering, a link will be sent to the email address provided so that you can join the virtual orientation session.

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2022 High School Recommendations and Applications Still Being Accepted

It remains our goal to have every high school and home school community in the State of West Virginia represented at each annual ALMBS session. We are willing to work with you to assure that your high school is represented at the program.

ALMBS is a leadership action program where qualified high school students take part in a practical government exercise. It is designed to develop a working knowledge of the structure of state government and to impress upon the citizen the fact that our government is just what we make it.

The goal of ALMBS is to teach good government through participation by becoming a mythical state government and operating it as such. It is an objective citizenship training program which strives to inculcate individual responsibility to the community, state, and nation.

ALMBS is still accepting HIGH SCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS and APPLICATIONS for the 2022 ALMBS Camp to be held June 12-18, 2022.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Individuals who meet the below qualifications are eligible to apply for admission to ALMBS. Due to the cancellation of the 2020 & 2021 sessions, each high school senior class will be permitted at least one attendee to the 2022 session along with the junior class attendees.

  1. Be a member of the male enrollment of the current junior class.
  2. Have a 2.75 grade point average or higher on a four-point scale or its equivalent. (Note: Schools should use the most current cumulative grade point average as of the time of their response.)
  3. Have demonstrated outstanding qualities in the areas of school activities, community activities, and character.
  4. Have never attended an American Legion Boys State program previously.
  5. Be a citizen of West Virginia OR attend a high school in West Virginia.

 

ALMBS is open to those meeting the above requirements regardless of race, color, religion, disability, socioeconomic status, or national origin.

 

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What is ALMBS?

The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State is among the most respected educational programs of government instruction for high school students and is West Virginia’s Premier Leadership Academy. Each participant becomes a part of the operation of his city, county, and state government. The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State has been a program of the American Legion Department of West Virginia since 1936.

At the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical with city, county, and state governments operated by the participants elected or selected to the various offices and positions. Activities are varied and include many facets of government such as elections, legislative sessions, and legal proceedings. Law enforcement presentations, assemblies, guest speakers, band, chorus, recreational programs, a college/career fair, and a talent show are also held.
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