Tony Caridi, known as “The Voice of the Mountaineers,” is a renowned sportscaster for West Virginia University’s Mountaineer Sports Network and West Virginia Radio Corporation’s Metronews Radio Network. Born on September 8, 1962, in Lockport, New York, Caridi’s passion for sports broadcasting was sparked by listening to the NBA’s Buffalo Braves, the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, and the NFL’s Buffalo Bills1. He graduated from Syracuse University’s S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1984. Caridi arrived in West Virginia in 1984 and has been a vital part of the state’s sports broadcasting scene ever since. In addition to his broadcasting career, Caridi is also a children’s book author. Today, we are honored to have him as a keynote speaker at the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State. Tony Caridi’s presentation is followed by the Americanism Team presentation on the US Flag Code.

Patrick James Morrisey, born on December 21, 1967, is an accomplished attorney and politician, currently serving as the 34th Attorney General of West Virginia. A member of the Republican Party, he was elected to the position in 2012, becoming the first Republican to serve in the role since 1933.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Morrisey grew up in Edison, New Jersey. He graduated with honors from Rutgers College with a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science in 1989. He also attended Rutgers School of Law–Newark, receiving his juris doctor in 1992.

Morrisey has had a multi-faceted career in law and public service, including roles as a former Partner and Practice Chair at a major national law firm, a former Chairman of the Republican Attorney Generals Association, a former Chief Counsel to the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee, and an owner of his own law practice.

Throughout his tenure as

Jamie Summerlin, a Marine from Morgantown, West Virginia, is known for his Freedom Run across America to honor U.S. veterans. After running his first marathon in 2009, he was inspired to take on greater challenges. In 2012, he embarked on a 100-day journey across America, covering 3,452 miles through 16 states and Washington DC. Along the way, he visited VA hospitals and participated in ceremonies honoring veterans. Today, he continues to support veterans through Operation Welcome Home and other nonprofits, and shares his experiences through motivational speaking engagements.

Welcome to the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State Opening Assembly! We are thrilled to have you all here, ready to embark on an incredible journey of leadership, citizenship, and personal growth.

Kent Leonhardt is a dedicated public servant and experienced farmer who has been serving the State of West Virginia since 2014. After being elected to the West Virginia State Senate representing the 2nd Senatorial District, which encompassed several rural counties, Kent went on to be elected as the West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture in 2016, now serving his second term.

Kent’s passion for farming developed at a young age while serving in the United States Marine Corps. In 1982, he purchased an abandoned farm near Blacksville, WV, and together with his wife Shirley, revitalized it. For two decades, they raised sheep, cattle, and goats, as well as cultivated crops and sold hay when there was a surplus.

Kent’s education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Management from the University of Missouri, where he took courses in agriculture, natural resources, and environmental protection. He also holds a Master’s in Business Management from Central

Mark McMillion is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience, honing his leadership skills in diverse environments across the globe. As a graduate of West Point, he received unparalleled training in the art of leadership. With a strong foundation in engineering, Mark understands the importance of data-driven decision-making. His extensive military career included assignments in Germany, Norway, and two combat tours in Iraq, where he held various leadership positions.

Mark firmly believes that true leadership extends beyond giving orders or disciplinary actions. Building mutual trust, loyalty, and respect for others are essential qualities for effective leadership in any setting. Throughout his career, he held pivotal roles such as platoon leader, West Point assistant professor, battalion executive officer, and exercise planner for NATO. Each experience contributed significantly to his personal growth and leadership development.

Working alongside exceptional sergeants as a platoon leader, Mark learned that leading great teams often involves providing

EDWARD JONES

Edward Jones is a prominent financial institution that offers a wide range of corporate capabilities. With a focus on individual investors, the company provides comprehensive investment advisory services, personalized financial planning, and wealth management solutions. Edward Jones boasts a network of highly skilled financial advisors who collaborate closely with clients to understand their unique goals and develop tailored strategies. The firm’s capabilities encompass retirement planning, education funding, estate and legacy planning, as well as investment options including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and insurance products. Guided by a commitment to long-term relationships and exceptional client service, Edward Jones strives to empower individuals, families, and businesses to achieve their financial objectives and secure a prosperous future.

For more information on Edward Jones visit: https://www.edwardjones.com/

LISA CAIN

Lisa Cain is an experienced financial advisor with over 19 years of industry expertise, having joined Edward Jones in 2012. With a commitment to providing exceptional service, Lisa

John B. “JB” McCuskey, the 21st State Auditor of West Virginia, is currently serving his second term, having been first elected in 2016. Prior to his role as Auditor, he served two terms in the House of Delegates and practiced law in Charleston.

As Auditor, McCuskey has made it his priority to establish an efficient, effective, and transparent government. Under his leadership, West Virginia has become the most transparent state in the nation, providing citizens with real-time access to data on how their tax dollars are utilized through WVCheckbook.gov. McCuskey has also introduced the Public Integrity and Fraud Unit, leading over 200 investigations into local governments and uncovering more than $2.5 million in fraudulent activities.

A key tool in the fight against fraud and abuse is the state Purchasing Card (P-Card) program. Over the past five years, McCuskey has successfully advocated for increased adoption of the P-Card among agencies, boards, commissions, and

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

WVARNG BG Holt – Brig. Gen. Murray E. “Gene” Holt is the Assistant Adjutant General – Army and commander of the West Virginia Army National Guard.  As the Assistant Adjutant General, he provides command and control over all Army National Guard forces assigned to the state and is the principal advisor to the Adjutant General on all matters related to the Army National Guard.

Brig. Gen. Holt enlisted in the West Virginia Army National Guard in 1985 and received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at West Virginia State University in May of 1990 after completing his undergraduate education in accounting. Brig. Gen. Holt began his military career as a platoon leader in the 3664th Maintenance Company and later as a press officer and commander of the 153rd Public Affairs Detachment. Since that time, he has served in the engineer branch in a myriad of positions including construction management officer, engineer