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,

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2022 ALMBS Applications Still Being Accepted

The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State (ALMBS) has long been recognized as one of the most respected educational programs of government and leadership instruction for high school students. We have accomplished this over eight decades by adjusting our program to keep pace with the times. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us to think creatively about how we can safely deliver a meaningful and engaging program and we are proud to return to this mission in 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.

Be a member of the male enrollment of the current junior class.
Have a 2.75 grade point average or higher on a four-point scale or its equivalent. (Note: Schools should

Senator Manchin Keynotes ALMBS Graduation Assembly

Senator Manchin has served in several leadership capacities on various associations, including: Chairman of the National Governors Association, Chairman of the Southern States Energy Board, President of the Council of State Governments, Chairman of the Democratic Governors Association and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Association.

Senator Manchin served as Secretary of State from 2000 to 2004, and his office was known for excellent customer service. He was a state legislator from 1982 to 1996, where he earned a reputation for standing up for West Virginians.

Senator Manchin became a successful businessman after attending West Virginia University on a football scholarship.

Senator Manchin is an avid pilot, outdoorsman, hunter, angler and motorcyclist. He has been married for more than four decades to the former Gayle Conelly of Beckley. They have three children: Heather, Joseph IV and Brooke, and are the proud grandparents of Joseph V, Sophie, Kelsey, Madeline, Chloe, Jack, Carly, Vivian, Beaux and

US Representative Carol Miller Addresses ALMBS

Congresswoman Carol Miller represents West Virginia’s Third Congressional District. Miller serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Oversight and Reform Committee, and the

House Select Committee on Climate Crisis in the U.S. House of Representatives. Miller’s focus in Congress is creating jobs, diversifying the economy, innovating and improving infrastructure, protecting America’s borders, and supporting West Virginia’s energy industries like coal, oil, and gas.

Prior to her election to Congress in 2018, Congresswoman Miller served in the West Virginia House of Delegates from 2006 to 2017 where she rose to become the first female Majority Whip. In addition to her public service, Carol is active in her community and is a former member of the Women’s Heart Advisory Board, St. Mary’s Regional Heart Institute, Marshall University Society of Yeager Scholars, West Virginia Commission for the Arts, and Lily’s Place, as well as many other organizations.

A mother of two and grandmother of five,

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ALMBS Citizens Participate in College Fair

We would like to thank the following schools for taking time to meet with our Citizens for the College and Career Fair:
WVU School of Med.
US Military Academy at West Point
Fairmont State University
US Naval Academy
WVU Honors College
WVU ROTC
WV National Guard
Marshall University
Concord University
Chambers College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University
WVU Potomac State College
Waynesburg University
WVU Institute of Technology
Professional & Undergraduate Programs – WVU School of Medicine
WVU Reed College of Media
Bethany College
Thasher Engineering
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Fairmont State University – College of Liberal Arts
West Virginia University – Undergraduate Admissions
Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets and Army ROTC
United States Army
WVU School of Pharmacy
Shawnee State University
Alderson Broaddus University
Bridgewater College
West Liberty State University
US Senator Joe Manchin’s Office – US Military Academy Nomination Process

FSU’s Dr. Mirta Martin Speaks to ALMBS

MISSION STATEMENT:

Fairmont State University is a comprehensive, regional university committed to educating global citizen leaders in an environment distinguished by a commitment to excellence, student success and transformational impact.

VISION STATEMENT:

Fairmont State University will be renowned for its innovative pedagogical practices and programs and as the first-choice institution for students seeking a transformative educational experience.

For more information: https://www.fairmontstate.edu/aboutfsu/presidents-office

Senator Capito Addresses ALMBS

Shelley Moore Capito was elected by the people of West Virginia to the United States Senate in 2014. She is the first female U.S. Senator in West Virginia’s history and was elected with the largest margin of victory for a Republican in state history – winning more than 62 percent of the vote and all 55 counties.

After serving West Virginia’s Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives for 14 years, and as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates for four years prior, Shelley decided to run for Senate to be an even stronger voice for the Mountain State. She also saw an opportunity to restore order to a Senate stuck in gridlock for far too long.

Shelley believes that today’s challenges demand bipartisan solutions and cooperation across the aisle to advance legislation that benefits West Virginia and the country as a whole.

Shelley serves on the Senate

WV Commissioner of Agriculture Speaks to ALMBS

Kent Leonhardt is a lifetime farmer. His wife and Kent restored a farm that was abandoned for over 40 years and made it once again a viable functioning farm. Their farm is located in the western end of Monongalia County near Fairview, West Virginia. They purchased their first 205 acres of West Virginia farmland in 1982, while he was still on military active duty. They began developing and cultivating the farm in 1997, following his retirement from the Marine Corps. Today, they have 380 contiguous acres and two farm leases for hay production and additional grazing. They raise sheep, cattle and goats and sell hay when there is a surplus available.

Mr. Leonhardt is a Marine. He served for 20 years and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1996. As a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marine Corps, he coordinated operations between all four branches of our military,

Brigadier General Christopher Walker Addresses ALMBS

Brig. Gen. Christopher Walker is the Assistant Adjutant General and Commander of the West Virginia Air National Guard. The West Virginia Air National Guard has over 2,100 members and consists of two flying units, the 130th Airlift Wing in Charleston, West Virginia, and the 167th Airlift Wing in Martinsburg, West Virginia. As the Assistant Adjutant General and Commander he provides command and control, over all Air National Guard forces assigned to the state and is the principal advisor to the Adjutant General, on all matters related to the Air National Guard.

General Walker’s current federal dual assignment is Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, providing oversight and input concerning laws, regulations and policy of the Human Capital portfolio to ensure mission success. In this role, General Walker assists in areas of diversity, force development, force management, total force and Airman and Family Readiness.

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