Jo’s West Virginia Perspective

We lost a big part of our family this past week with the unexpected death of my Uncle Gary Landis. 

He was killed while adjusting the brakes of his rig at a rest area just off the Turnpike.  The life of a truck driver is by no means an easy one - and this loss only underscores the dangers.

Over 2,000 friends and family filed through the church to pay their respects to the family.  Some waited more than 2 hours just let our family know how much Gary had meant to them.  That tells you a lot about the kind of man my Uncle Gary was.

My life was only made better by having a guy like Uncle Gary in my life.  From my childhood to my life today, Uncle Gary would always make me laugh.  Even when he was tormenting me, my cousin and my sister, he always brought it around to get us smiling again.

But he was a genuine guy, with a big heart and an ornery attitude.

When a friend of mine learned of Uncle Gary’s death, his first comment was, “You’ve just lost one of your biggest supporters.”  And he was right. 

While my Uncle Gary was always supportive when I ran for public office, it was the 2008 election he really pulled out all the stops.  On Election day in November 2008, my Uncle stood at an intersection in Kenna ALL DAY.  He held my campaign signs - and some other candidates - trying to persuade voters in that area.  I was running against an 8 year incumbent - and he knew the odds were tough for me.  But he stood out there anyway - all day . . . .

And at the end of the day, as the voting results came in, it was Uncle Gary who showed up at the courthouse.  As it became clearer that the close race would not go my way, it was Uncle Gary who put his arm around me and told me not to give up - that it was hard to beat an incumbent.  It was Uncle Gary who said I would get him next time. 

His words of encouragement - and his very presence there that night - meant the world to me.  And it is one of the reasons that I am running for the House of Delegates again in 2010. . . .

My life was blessed to have such a wonderful Uncle full of love and support.

I’ve posted his obituary below so that you can see more about the type of person he was.

Gary Kemp Landis, 61, of Kenna passed away as a result of injuries received in an accident at work.

He was born August 5, 1948, in Ripley and was the son of Eurada Skeen Landis of Kenna and the late Kemp Landis.

He was a graduate with the class of 1967 of Ripley High School, where he was a vital part of the football and baseball teams. He was first team All State Football in 1966. He still enjoyed watching both sports at Ripley and had a passion for riding 4-wheelers and motorcycles. He was know as a great supporter of the youth of the community through various activities including 4H, FFA, the Ripley High Athletic Boosters, and coaching Little League sports. When help and support was needed for the youth in the community, you could count on Gary to be there to help in all ways. He was a self-employed truck driver and operator for over 30 years of Landis LLC, formerly known as G.K. Landis Trucking. He was a member of Grasslick Baptist Church, Kenna. He loved spending time with children, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his mother he is survived by his wife, Dottie “Darlena” Stover Landis; his children, Brandon Landis, Clifton Landis and his wife, Carissa, and Jason Landis and his wife, Ashley, all of Kenna; his grandchildren, Reid Landis, Gage and Madyson Landis, and Kelsey Shamblin; and sisters, Zelma Boggess and her husband, Frank, of Ripley, Mary Sayre and her husband, Dencil, of Kenna, Carolyn Landis of Kenna and Shannon Foutches and her husband, Charles, of Charleston.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 13, at Grasslick Baptist Church, Kenna, with Pastor Jim Compton officiating. Burial will be in Goshen Cemetery, Kentuck.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Grasslick Baptist Church and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley, is serving the family.

Memorial donations may be made to the Ripley High School Athletic Department in memory of Gary.

“It is our family’s favorite week of the summer,” my friend Nathan recently said to me. 

He was, of course, referring to the Jackson County Junior Fair.

His sentiment is shared by many families in our county.  Every July they pack up their campers and head to Cottageville to spend the week at the fair.

It is a wonderful week.  Friends and neighbors take time out of their hectic lives and visit with one another.  There is a spirit of family and friendship in the air.  It is a great place for families!

And the fair revolves around what most families do - the youth!  Hundreds of youth involved in 4-H and FFA.  They bring projects and animals and exhibit the best of West Virginia.

WVU Extension Agent Ed Smolder said it best recently in our local newspaper.  He said, “The fair is a place we can all be one community, forget about problems and be Jackson County friends.  The fair is apple pie and America.  It’s a place where Jackson County can share a sense of community and a sense of pride.  It’s pure Jackson County.”

I hope you will come down to the fair and see what a wonderful week it is!  The fair runs from July 20th - 25th.  More information on the schedule can be found at www.jcjf.net.

My twin nieces, Carley and Lilly Phillips, have spent the last several weeks in China.  They left their home in Morgantown, WV, and traveled to stay with their mom’s friend who lives there in a diplomatic compound.

Carley’s adventures in China have been journaled in an online blog.  Her comical and insightful views of what she and her sister experienced are an enjoyable read.

Click on the link http://carleyinchina.blogspot.com/ and be sure to start at the bottom and read your way up!

My wonderful hometown of Ripley, WV is the place to be for the 4th of July.  It is known as the host of the “biggest small town 4th of July celebration in the United States.” 

As you travel down Main Street in Ripley, you will see American Flags which line the streets.  Businesses and homes are adorned in red, white and blue.  The patriotism that exists in this small town can be felt everywhere you look. 

We thank God for our country, we honor our Veterans for their sacrifices and we celebrate the freedoms that come with living in the United States of America.

Before the 4th of July celebrations begin, you can visit Cedar Lakes which is home to the Mountain State Arts & Crafts Fair.  It is a wonderful place to take your family and soak in the rich mountain heritage that is found in our wild and wonderful state of West Virginia.

Ripley’s 4th of July festivities offer a lot of activities, including a carnival.  The grand parade is at noon that day. 

There is entertainment all day on the courthouse lawn.  In the evening, local talent, the Norris Brothers Band begins at 7:00.  Then one of West Virginia’s favorite daughters, Kathy Mattea, kicks off the main entertainment at 8:30.  The Dickirson Corporation in Ripley sponsored the country music legend’s trip home as a part of its 50th anniversary celebration.

I hope to see you in Ripley for the 4th of July.  It is a wonderful way to celebrate this patriotic holiday. 

MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AMERICA!!

As June ends, I thought I would post a few random thoughts.

JACKSON COUNTY LADIES -It’s always exciting when someone from Jackson County makes our county shine.  This month there were two ladies from Jackson County who achieved state honors.

First, Rachel White of Kenna, now a senior at Ripley High, won the West Virginia Scholar Award.  This award provides a 4-year full scholarship for Rachel to attend West Virginia Wesleyan College after she graduates.  Through a process of interviews and an essay, Rachel outshined the 12 other outstanding finalists.  Congratulations Rachel!  For more information about her award go to www.wvmetronews.com

Also, Talia Markham was crowned Miss West Virginia as a part of the Miss America program.  She will go on to Las Vegas to compete in the Miss America pageant.  From what I understand, she has tried for four years to become Miss West Virginia.  I believe that is a testimony to what a little perseverance can accomplish.  My favorite part of watching the pageant was watching her give thanks to God after she was announced as winner.  I am sure Jackson County will be cheering her on when the Miss America pageant airs.  

GOLDEN HORSESHOE REUNION - I am told over 500 recipients of the Golden Horseshoe and friends were in attendance.  I spent the day with my former student and we enjoyed talking with winners and especially seeing the new West Virginia State History Museum.  Also exciting was the unveiling of the remodeled West Virginia Archives.

JACKSON COUNTY SUMMER BASH - The JACKSON COUNTY ATHLETIC BOOSTERS is busy trying to sell tickets to the Summer Bash which will coincide with the Ripley 4th of July celebration.  Ticket sells, much like the economy, are down.  There is a chance the bash may have to be cancelled if the ticket sales do not pick up (they won’t have enough money to cover the prizes).  If you have not purchased your ticket, please don’t wait any longer.  Go to www.jacksoncountybash.com and take care of it now! 

4-H CAMP IN JACKSON COUNTY - Camp began yesterday for Jackson County youngsters and you could feel the excitment in the air.  As I dropped off my two oldest boys at Cedar Lakes, kids and adults were busy chattering and running around getting settled in for the week of fun.  My oldest son is part of the Mingo tribe and my other son joined Seneca last night.  I am so grateful to the adults in Jackson County who volunteer time out of their summer to put this camp together!  HOW HOW!

I recently had the opportunity to tour the “new” West Virginia State History Museum.  As a West Virginia Studies teacher, I was especially interested to see what type of learning environment the museum would provide.

I am incredibly impressed with this newest West Virginia treasure.  The museum will not only be a great teaching tool for educators, but also reinforced my love for this wonderful state.

The story of West Virginians triumphing over tragedy, persevering and moving forward is felt throughout this museum.  I was especially touched by the wonderful tribute given to our heroes – our Veterans – whose sacrifice helped our state and especially our country.

The West Virginia State History museum is well done.  I hope you will make the time to go and visit the museum - it is in the basement of the West Virginia Cultural Center.  There is no admission charge.

A lot of taxpayers money went into this project.  A span of three different Governor’s administrations caused a lot of differences and redesigns.  My thanks to those individuals involved who finally got this project together.

“All gave some, and some gave all.  Some stood through for the red, white and blue and some had to fall.  So if you ever think of me, think of all your liberties and recall.  Some gave all.”  - Billy Ray Cyrus

On this Memorial Day, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the men and women - past and present - who have served our wonderful country.

There is no doubt that these brave men and women deserve our respect and admiration. 

Because of my age, I did not fully understand the hardship for our military members and their families until Operation Desert Storm.  I can remember one of my sorority sisters who worried daily because her boyfriend was serving in the Gulf War.  And during one brief time when she did not hear from him as planned, she cried until she got word that he was okay.  I could not imagine her fear.

When the invasion of Iraq occurred, I saw the hardship my friend Angel experienced.  Her husband was among the first round of West Virginia National Guardsmen to go over and help with operations. 

I can remember my friend Susan and I visiting her - sitting with her as she sobbed and sobbed.  She could not turn off the television - she was glued to CNN and any other news channel that could provide details about the troops.  She became a single parent who juggled the many situations her husband Scotty once had.  And she had to keep her family together - without losing it herself.

I think about the veterans who have told me their stories of hardship and survival.  I think of my friends who are now serving our country and are in the scariest of situations.

I am forever grateful for their sacrifice.  And I am so very appreciative that “all gave some, and some gave all.”

Posted on the www.wvablue.com website was an entry that I thought I would share.  It is a list of those West Virginia men and women who lost their lives in service to our country.  These are our recent losses - those who were serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. 

And sadly, on the news today was the announcement that West Virginia lost another solider this week.  Brent S. Cole from Reedsville, WV was killed May 22, 2009 when his helicopter crashed in Afghanistan.

Photo from http://brent-cole.gonetoosoon.org/

Putting faces and names with those that have made the ultimate sacrifice - in this day and time - reminds us that we are so blessed to have these unselfish individuals. 

God be with their families.

Army Sgt. Gene Arden Vance Jr., 38, of Morgantown.
May 19, 2002. Afghanistan.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Anissa A. Shero, 31, of Grafton.
June 12, 2002. Afghanistan.

Army Pfc. Richard W. Hafer, 21, of Nitro.
Nov. 15, 2003. Iraq.

Army Staff Sgt. Roger C. Turner Jr., 37, of Parkersburg.
Feb. 1, 2004. Iraq.

Army Pfc. Ernest Harold Sutphin, 21, of Parkersburg.
March 18, 2004. Iraq.

Marine Cpl. Joshua S. Wilfong, 22, of Walker.
April 30, 2004. Iraq.

Marine Lance Cpl. Juston T. Thacker, 21, of Bluefield.
June 24, 2004. Afghanistan.

Army Spec. Danny B. Daniels II, 23, of Varney.
July 20, 2004. Iraq.

Army Sgt. DeForest L. Talbert, 24, of Charleston.
July 27, 2004. Iraq.

Army Sgt. Bobby E. Beasley, 36, of Inwood.
Aug. 7, 2004. Afghanistan.

Marine Lance Cpl. John T. Byrd II, 23, of Fairview.
Oct. 30, 2004. Iraq.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Otie J. McVey, 53, of Oak Hill.
Evacuated from Iraq Sept. 23, 2004, for a non-combat related illness and died in Beaver, W.Va. Nov. 7, 2004.

Marine Cpl. Romulo J. Jimenez II, 21, of Bellington.
Nov. 10, 2004. Iraq. (I could not find a photo of him, but there’s a story here.)

Marine Lance Cpl. Bradley L. Parker, 19, of Rachel.
Nov. 15, 2004. Iraq.

Army Staff Sgt. Darren D. VanKomen, 33, of Bluefield.
Dec. 21, 2004. Iraq.

Marine Cpl. Bryan J. Richardson, 23, of Summersville.
March 25, 2005. Iraq.

Army Pfc. Brian S. Ulbrich, 23, of Chapmanville.
June 5, 2005. Iraq.

Marine Lance Cpl. Adam J. Crumpler, 19, of Campbells Creek.
June 18, 2005. Iraq.

Navy Petty Officer Jeffrey S. Taylor, 30, of Midway.
June 28, 2005. Afghanistan.

Army Staff Sgt. Jeremy A. Brown, 26, of Mabscott.
July 3, 2005. Iraq.

Army Staff Sgt. Robert F. White, 34, of Cross Lanes.
Sept. 26, 2005. Afghanistan.

Army Sgt. Brian C. Karim, 22, of Talcott.
Dec. 13, 2005. Iraq.

Army Sgt. Matthew D. Hunter, 31, of Valley Grove.
Jan. 23, 2006. Iraq.

Marine Cpl. William B. Fulks, 23, of Culloden.
May 18, 2006. Iraq.

Army Staff Sgt. Stephen A. Seale, 25, of Grafton.
Aug. 6, 2006. Iraq.

Sgt. Charles J. McClain, 26, of Follansbee.
Oct. 31, 2006. Afghanistan.

Army Pvt. Michael J. Slater, 19, of Scott Depot.
April 21, 2007. Iraq.

Army Spec. Daniel F. Mehringer, 20, of Morgantown.
April 27, 2007. Afghanistan.

Army Staff Sgt. Stanley B. Reynolds, 37, of Rock.
Aug. 14, 2007. Iraq.

Army Pfc. Thomas Randolph Wilson, 21, of Morgantown.
Aug. 27, 2007. Afghanistan.

Army Cpl. Jason N. Marchand, 26, of Greenwood.
Oct. 5, 2007. Iraq.

Army Capt. Benjamin D. Tiffner, 31, of Pigeon.
Nov. 7, 2007. Iraq.

Marine Capt. Garrett T. Lawton, 31, of Charleston.
Aug. 4, 2008. Afghanistan.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Jamie S. Nicholas, 32, of Maysel.
Sept. 29, 2008. Afghanistan.

I had the opportunity to watch one of my students become a Lady of the Order of the Golden Horseshoe on Friday.  Three of the four Jackson County winners were from my classes, but two were on the annual 8th grade trip to Washington D.C.  So that left a day at the state capitol with one of my best and brightest.

I did not win the Golden Horseshoe when I was an 8th grader, but my heart is with those of my students who do earn the award.  The opportunity to be a part of the Golden Horseshoe award is a part of my teaching job that I really enjoy. 

Helping to instill an interest and love of the state of West Virginia is a passion for me.  I greatly appreciate that same enthusiasm being exuded by our current Governor, Joe Manchin.  Striving to get our state’s best and brightest to put their work ethic and big ideas to work in West Virginia is a challenge he has worked hard to achieve.  These Golden Horseshoe winners are prime candidates for helping to make our state a better place.

The Governor’s office has worked to put together a reunion of the ORDER OF THE GOLDEN HORSESHOE.  Details have recently been released.  I hope all who have had the honor of the Golden Horseshoe will take the time (if they are able) to attend.  Details can be found at the following website: http://www.wv.gov/ghreunion/

It has barely been a week since my last post, and already I am mourning the loss of another friend to cancer.

Less than two weeks ago I found out that my former college professor and advisor, Dr. Jacqueline DeLaat, had cancer.  She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the end of February.  Now she is gone.

The loss is not just devastating for her husband Mike, and her daughters Meghan and Michelle, but a lot of her former students.  And it is a great loss for all the students she would have had to inspire and educate.

In loving memory of Dr. Jacqueline DeLaat - McCoy Professor at Marietta College.

As my college advisor she inspired and encouraged me through my four years at Marietta College.  It was because of my interest in her class that I switched my major from public broadcasting to political science with a focus on education.

She entrusted me to care for her beautiful, precious daughters when she and her husband went out of town or out for the evening.  Her girls, Meghan and Michelle, have grown up to be smart, hardworking, incredibly talented young ladies.

She enhanced my interest in public policy and public service.  Her class projects allowed me to get involved in local politics.  Her direction lead me to two incredible internships - one with Congressman Bob Wise and the other with U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller.

She was with me on my wedding day to celebrate.  She sent her support as I expanded my family with four little boys.

She encouraged me to continue furthering my education and to teach.  She was a great role model.

She was first in line to contribute to my legislative campaign and encourage me to try and make a difference to improve my community and state.  She knew my race would be tough but told me to “not give up” and to keep on trying.

I am forever grateful that she was a part of my life.  She will be greatly missed.  Until we meet again Jackie.

I’ve included the biography posted on the Marietta college website:

 Dr. Jacqueline DeLaat
McCoy Professor

Degrees: Ph.D. in Public Administration (University of Pittsburgh), Master or Arts in Political Science (University of Minnesota), Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (University of Iowa)

About Dr. Jacqueline DeLaat: Dr. DeLaat has taught political science, public policy, and gender related courses, as well as leadership, at liberal arts colleges for more than 25 years. Prior to her teaching career, she worked for 10 years in the Washington, D.C., area in a variety of public and quasi-public organizations.

This experience continues to enhance her teaching. She favors an interactive classroom with many applied projects and much discussion of current events. Dr. DeLaat is also the founder of the campus program Pizza and Politics, which brings the campus community together to informally discuss current events and issues.

Dr. DeLaat recently completed research for a paper on state governments promotion of international trade in the post 9/11 environment, and presented it in April of 2005. In March of 2005 Dr. DeLaat traveled to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to present the conference, Woman as Global Leaders: Educating the Next Generation. DeLaat led an interactive workshop for students entitled Gender Issues in the World’s Workplaces: comparisons of Cases from our Countries.

She recently finished the second edition of her nationally used textbook, Gender in the Workplace: A Case Study Approach, released in 2007 (Sage 2007).

She was elected to a three-year-term to the Executive Council of the Midwest Political Science Association in 2007.

Dr. DeLaat wrote an address to the Roundtable of the Ohio Valley entitled Gender Issues in the Workplace in November of 2007.

“The greater the obstacle, the more glorious the victory.” - Sara Gwisdalla (1988-2005)

I hate cancer - every form of it.  And more than that, I hate that it causes my friends and family so much pain and loss.

My first brush with cancer was when my Grandmother - Gertrude Boggess - fought and lost a battle with cancer back in 1994.  Oh how I wish she had lived to meet her great grandchildren.  She was an incredible woman.

Since then, there have been several friends and family (young and old) who have battled cancer and won.  The fight left their body weary, but their spirit strong.

I think of beautiful, young Sara Gwisdalla, who lost her battle with leukemia during her senior year of high school at Ripley. 

Sara’s quote, which I included at the beginning of this article, showed a strength and wisdom beyond her years.  I have this quote up in my classroom to help inspire my students to keep on keeping on - no matter what is tough in their life.

Recently, I lost another friend to cancer.  Linda Staats.  She and her husband Ed were great supporters of mine during my recent legislative campaign.  The two were devoted to one another and incredibly kind.

The last time I saw Linda, we both knew that her battle was drawing to an end.  I hugged her and holding back tears I told her that she was one of the strongest women I had ever met.  She was tough and loving and I will miss her.  I’ve pasted her obituary to the bottom of this article.

Just this week I found out that my friend and former professor is battling a cancer that will be tough to beat.  She is tough though - and I will continue to pray for her.  It is good to know that God is with us always - no matter what.

Every May there is a Relay for Life event in Jackson County.   Most years I donate or participate in this event which helps raise money for the American Cancer Society.

I want to encourage you to get involved or donate to help raise funds to end this terrible disease.  Just hearing the “C” word inflicts fear in the heart of so many on a daily basis.

If you don’t know where to start - I invite you to make a donation towards my walk in the Relay for Life Event.  Or you might purchase a Luminary in honor of or in memory of someone you know who has had battled cancer.  Just follow this link:   http://main.acsevents.org/goto/joboggessphillips

Rest in peace Linda. . . .

Linda Louise Staats, 61, went to become the Lord’s most beautiful angel on April 5, 2009, by winning her battle with breast cancer.She was born in Parkersburg on February 21, 1948, the daughter of Helen Marie (Bibbee) Wingrove and the late Harold Eugene Wingrove. Linda graduated from Parkersburg High School and attended Mountain State College. She retired from the U.S. Department of Labor, Black Lung Division, in 2003. Linda was a member of The Celebration Center in Belpre, Ohio. She was vice president of the Jackson County Democratic Women, publicity chair of the Tree Farm Committee, board member of the WV Forestry Association, Domestic Violence Intervention Board, WV Cultural Museum (Charleston), Jackson County Farm Bureau, Region 6 representative of the Woodlands Owners Association, a member of the Eastern Star, and the PHS 1966 Class Reunion Committee.

She is survived by her husband, Ed Staats; three children, Shannon E. Staats and husband Langford Holbrook of Athens, Ga.; Lisha (Morlan) Conny and husband Joe of Vienna; and Eddie Staats and wife Niki of Parkersburg; seven grandchildren, A.J., Jacob, and Jessica Conny; Gage, Katy-Grace, Angeliki, and Athena Staats; numerous nieces and nephews; and her mother, Helen.

A memorial service to celebrate Linda’s life will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Francis Xavier Church in Parkersburg with Father Eric Hall as Celebrant. Immediately following the memorial service, a continued celebration of her life and luncheon will be held at the Leavitt Family Center.

Flowers may be sent to Leavitt Funeral Home in Parkersburg.

Online guestbook may be signed @www.leavittfuneralhome.com.