On Wednesday, at approximately 4:20, troopers responded to a report in Lewis County that there were shots fired. Upon arrival, the victim was discovered to be dead due to gunshot wounds. The police located one suspect who was later taken into custody. It appears that the initial altercation started at the Red Apple Tavern. The investigation is ongoing.
Jacob Wilkinsin
Thank you Nicholas O’Donnell for understanding what the Medal of Honor is all about. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. It is generally presented to its recipient by the President of the United States of America in the name of Congress.
On December 9, 1861, Iowa Senator James W. Grimes introduced S. No. 82 in the United States Senate, a bill designed to “promote the efficiency of the Navy†by authorizing the production and distribution of “medals of honor.â€Â On December 21st, the bill was passed, authorizing 200 such medals be produced “which shall be bestowed upon such petty officers, seamen, land men, and maries as shall distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action and other seamanlike qualities during the present war (Civil War).â€Â  Medal of Honor was born.
Two months later, on February 17, 1862, Massachusetts Senator Henry Wilson introduced a similar bill, this one to authorize “the president to distribute medals to privates in the Army of the United States who shall distinguish themselves in battle.â€Â Over the following months, working changed slightly as the bill made its way through Congress. When President Abraham Lincoln signed S.J.R. No. 82 on July 12, 1862, the Army Medal of Honor was born. It read in part: Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that the President of the United States be, and he is hereby, authorized to cause two hundred thousand “medals of honor to be prepared with suitable emblematic devices, and to direct that the same be presented, in the name of the Congress, to such non-commissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action, and other soldier – like qualities, during the present insurrection (Civil War).â€
With this simple and rather obscure act, Congress created a unique award that would achieve prominence in American history like few others.
For more information, go to www.cmohs.org/medal-history.php.
–Sonja Adkins
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 21st Marines, 3d Marine Division. Place and date: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 23 February 1945. Entered service at: West Virginia. Born: 2 October 1923, Quiet Dell, W.Va.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as demolition sergeant serving with the 21 Marines, 3d Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 23 February 1945. Quick to volunteer his services when our tanks were maneuvering vainly to open a lane for the infantry through the network of reinforced concrete pillboxes, buried mines, and black volcanic sands, Cpl. Williams daringly went forward alone to attempt the reduction of devastating machinegun fire from the unyielding position. Covered only by 4 riflemen, he fought desperately for 4 hours under terrific enemy small-arms fire and repeatedly returned to his own lines to prepare demolition charges and obtain serviced flamethrowers, struggling back, frequently to the rear of hostile emplacements, to wipe out 1 position after another. On 1 occasion, he daringly mounted a pillbox to insert the nozzle of his flamethrower through the air vent, killing the occupants and silencing the gun; on another he grimly charged enemy riflemen who attempted to stop him with bayonets and destroyed them with a burst of flame from his weapon. His unyielding determination and extraordinary heroism in the face of ruthless enemy resistance were directly instrumental in neutralizing one of the most fanatically defended Japanese strong points encountered by his regiment and aided vitally in enabling his company to reach its objective. Cpl. Williams’ aggressive fighting spirit and valiant devotion to duty throughout this fiercely contested action sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
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State Primary Election Results |
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| Federalists |
 |
Nationalists |
| Ankur Kumar |
Governor |
Eric T.R. Finch |
| Alex Reiser |
Secretary of State |
Akshay Chandran |
| James “Jim†Park |
Auditor |
Kodey Jones |
| “Swag Man†Dan Truong |
Treasurer |
Tre’ Staples |
| Joseph Oliverio |
Commissioner of Agriculture |
Dylan Frazier |
| Kennedy Roberts |
Attorney General |
Zach “Attack†Abbott |
| Aniket Zinzuwadia |
Justice of the Supreme Court |
Brook “Tripod†Misailidis |
| Matthew “Tripod†Zlatkind | Sam Oxley | |
| Raymond “Batman†Rector | Jacob Smith | |
| Remington Knight | Gearick M. “Tripod†Watt | |
| Yashan Thakkar | Joshua Hill | |
Help us recruit the next graduating class from American Legion Mountaineer Boys State. Information on the 76th program has been sent out to all WV high schools and American Legion Posts. Tell your friends about your experience and encourage them to attend. This year the program will be held June 9-15. And remember you are always welcome back to campus for the Formal Review and evening assembly on Wednesday at 6:00pm. It’s a great time for a reunion with your fellow citizens.
75th ALMBS Governor
Within 24 hours I went from a citizen of the 75th Mountaineer Boy’s State, to Governor and representative of not only the approximate 400 citizens of Boy’s State, but also of each and every high school student in the great state of West Virginia. As citizens of Boy’s State, we have come up with ideas that best represent the important issues that affect not only the young citizens of West Virginia, but the entire population of the state as a whole.
As the officials of Mountaineer boy’s state, it is our duty to work together to set goals and pass bills to improve the way of life for the hard working people of our state. Now, take the time to think about all of the speeches that our councilors…individuals running for office…and each one of our guest speakers have given us this week. Each one has stated that simply by coming together and forming bonds in such a short time, has already made an impact in the lives of over 350 people. There is a quote from a musical that I would like to share…. “Because I knew you, I have been changed For Good,†and I believe that we can all say that those words are true for us all.
In the first day of the newly elected duties, the Board of Public works has worked hard to prioritize the issues that both parties discussed this week. The Board determined the budget of the State and where the people’s money will be going.
The first thing is Welfare. The Board decided that the best way to ensure that cash money is not being spent on illegal activities is to put any government assistance money on governmental credit card with a maximum amount being that of what would be equivalent to a check in the mail.
Next is a healthcare provided bill that will promote the rise of adequate healthcare in rural areas by building health clinics in areas with no hospital or doctor’s office nearby. This would allow people to receive proper medical treatment close to their homes.
In relation to infrastructure, the board decided to promote maritime (water) transportation of not only goods, but people as well. W would also like to improving the railroad systems to effectively and more efficiently move people and goods throughout the state. As discussed in the campaign, roads in rural areas will be improved…
Finally, education vouchers will be created and used as a way to provide the incentive to individual school systems to increase educational standards and competition between school systems and in turn raise overall test scores of students in the state.
The decisions made on how to approach these important issues has been made based on beliefs of the majority of the population of mountaineer Boy’s State. And if by chance any of these ideals are turned down or discouraged, I ask that all of the governmental departments come together to restructure them and work to pass them. WITH ONE VOICE…. AS ONE VOICE….WE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!
Thank You!
The following individuals passed the bar exam.
The Legionnaire Blue Cap Award is a prestigious achievement, presented to those with years of service in the Legion. Such an honor can only be bestowed onto those in the Legion with a lifetime of dedication, leading by example, and servitude. Some things that are looked at in nomination for the award are offices held, committee appointments, and other awards.
A noble man in nomination for this award can only be addressed as William F. Lancaster, Jr. of Post No. 71. A man of the Legion with such offices as Post Adjutant, Post Delegate, District VAMC Cookout, and District Representative Civic Affairs shows how well he fits for the award. He has been going to National Conventions for 10 years and Department Conventions for 15 years. He was awarded by his post the PUFL (Paid-Up-For-Life) which serves as his dues for the Legion for the rest of his life.
Straight out of high school, William F. Lancaster, Jr. enlisted in the U.S. Navy only 3 days after completing his education in 1946. A friend to Mr. Frank Buckles, the last remaining World War 1 veteran in the United States, Mr. Lancaster has visited Mr. Buckles several times as well as house-sitting his family’s farm after he passed away while they were in Arlington National Cemetery for the ceremony. Mr. Lancaster has shown his dedication, fulfilled his obligations, and is now vying for the prestigious award of the Legionnaire Blue Cap.
     If you’ve visited Headquarters this week, chances are you’ve met or at least seen Mrs. Sonja Adkins also known as “the Popcorn Ladyâ€. She was in charge of selling campaign materials to the candidates, and now she is in charge of putting together the packets the Citizens will receive at the end of the week. She also takes care of paperwork for Boys State, and she assists in selecting the award recipients. She is a very hardworking woman and one who whose work is invaluable to the success of Boys State.
         Mrs. Adkins has a love for Boys State that is indescribably strong. Just sitting there talking with her is enough to know her passion for this program rivals, if not surpasses, any other. She has served for twelve years at Boys State, where she has held the positions of campaign store worker and manager, and she has also helped with some of the Americanism programs.
Her first year working at Boys State was a happy accident. She was (and still is) a member of the American Legion, and her fervor for patriotism and Americanism made her stand and she was told she needed to come to Boys State to see what it is. In her first few years she not only helped run the store, but gradually took over for the previous owners when they were no longer able. Since then, she has attended every Boys State seminar since and greatly enjoys it.
One of her most memorable moments during her time working at Boys State was meeting Medal of Honor recipient Woody Williams, our evening speaker. She believes he is one man who deserves absolute respect.
Mrs. Adkins told me that in all her years of working here, she has continued to learn, and has learned more about the government and elections than she ever has before. She said it is better for us to know about the government, and involvement in government is a great teacher. To quote this amazing woman, “You don’t really ever stop learning about government.â€
********** (NATIONALIST) **********
GOVERNOR
DALLAS KOKOSKA. . . . . . . . . 44 23.66
SECRETARY OF STATE
(Vote For Not More Than ) 1
JACOB “Mr Gravy” SMITH . . . . . . 107 58.47
AUDITOR
(Vote For Not More Than ) 1
ALEX “A-Mac” MACDONALD . . . . . . 50 27.17
TREASURER
(Vote For Not More Than ) 1
MICHAEL FOUTS . . . . . . . . . 95 51.91
COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE
(Vote For Not More Than ) 1
WILLIAM G SLONAKER . . . . . . . 88 47.83
ATTORNEY GENERAL
(Vote For Not More Than ) 1
DONALD “The Waterboy” BOUCHER. . . . 77 41.40
JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT
(Vote For Not More Than ) 5
PHILIP WILSON
TOY REID
ZAC WILCOXEN
DAVID-MICHAEL BUCKMAN
WILL SHAFFER
********** (FEDERALIST) **********
GOVERNOR
(Vote For Not More Than ) 1
DAMIAN COOKE . . . . . . . . . 45 26.32
SECRETARY OF STATE
(Vote For Not More Than ) 1
JACK MCGEE . . . . . . . . . . 168 100.00
AUDITOR
(Vote For Not More Than ) 1
JOSH “J Watts” WATSON . . . . . . 99 58.93
TREASURER
(Vote For Not More Than ) 1
CHARLIE “Not the Hunchback” HAGEBO . . 51 29.82
COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE
(Vote For Not More Than ) 1
AARON “Tater Salad” WHITTAKER. . . . 71 41.28
ATTORNEY GENERAL
(Vote For Not More Than ) 1
JOEL M. WHETZEL . . . . . . . . 48 28.24
JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT
(Vote For Not More Than ) 5
AUSTIN PATTERSON
ZACH PARRUCCI
TOMMY CAIN
J.R HAMILTON
SETH BLAKE