By Jennifer Jett On February 1, 2011, a new chapter in the story of the West Virginia National Guard began when Maj. Gen. James Hoyer was named Adjutant General of the West Virginia Joint Forces Headquarters. The transition from Maj. Gen. Allen Tackett, a long-time military leader beloved by the state, to Hoyer, Tackett’s right-hand…
By Jennifer Jett They call it the Pearl Harbor of our generation. More than 3,000 people lost their lives on that clear September morning, and more than 400 of those lost were law enforcement and emergency responders. With the towers falling one by one, hundreds of firemen and police officers were trapped in the wreckage…
By Jennifer Jett One was a Buckeye who grew up working in the family business. The other was a red-headed Italian-American who grew up in rural West Virginia and was educated at the elite Greenbrier Military Academy. That’s where their differences ended, though. Both were taught discipline and critical thinking through the U.S. Army, and…
Determination runs deep in the veins of every Mountaineer—determination to survive, succeed and excel. The small, unassuming state lies in the peaceful isolation of the Appalachian Mountains, and for that reason, its people have been overlooked many times in the past in terms of education and innovation. West Virginians have a surprising way about them—a…
By Samantha Redd Known for their benevolent and hardworking nature, West Virginians have a reputation for giving of their time, money and energy to improve their communities and the lives of their neighbors. According to data by the Corporation for National and Community Service, even with the economic crisis in 2008, West Virginia’s volunteer rate…
By Keith Dodrill & Steven Bossart West Virginia is aptly named “Almost Heaven” because of its breathtaking landscapes, rolling rivers, abundant natural beauty, wildlife and fauna. When others think of the state, they may quickly turn to mountain hiking, skiing and whitewater rafting. While these recreational activities generate substantial revenue for the state, West Virginia’s…