Honoring Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams

We come to honor the memory of Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams who offered his life in the service of country and who has now enrolled in the Great Spirit Army, whose footfalls cause no sound, but in the memory of mankind, their souls go marching on, sustained by the pride of service in time of war. Because of them our lives are free; because of them our nation lives; because of them the world is blessed.

Hershel “Woody” Williams, the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II and the oldest living recipient of the medal, died Wednesday, June 29, 2022, in Huntington, WV at the VA Medical Center named in his honor. He was 98 years old. Woody retired after serving 20 years in the United States Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserves.

The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State truly appreciates his many years of service to our program.

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2014 ALMBS – Formal Review

Wednesday night, the American Legion West Virginia Boys State performed the annual formal review. All cabins marched and stood at attention in the pouring rain while proud parents watched the transformation of their children to the men of tomorrow. Citizens marched passed the governor when they were done with the field and marched straight into the cattle barn. Parents and citizens alike got settled in and watched Americanism ceremonies as well as two eloquent speakers. Buddie Curnette and Woody Williams both entertained and excite their respected crowd. After speakers were finished several presentations by the Boys State Choir and Boys State band to end the formal review. Once citizens and parents alike exited the livestock unit everyone caught up with the parents that attended and headed back to their jobs or assignments. The formal review revealed to the parents what Boys State is about and the life long