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The 129th annual convention of the West Virginia Junior Order United American Mechanics (Jr.O.U.A.M.) was held July 20-22 2017 at the Holiday Inn in Martinburg, WV.  Registration was held in the pre-function lobby from 1:00-4:00 as well as a hospitality of refreshments offered in the Opequon Room.  Attending from North Carolina and representing the National Council was Charles Riehs, National Councilor.
 
The convention opened Thursday evening with Past State Councilor and Master of Ceremonies, Chris Puffenburger.  Invocation was given by Acting Chaplain David Kendig followed by Conductor Barbara Hewitt leading all in the Pledge of Allegiance.
 
After the Welcome Address was delivered by Douglas Copenhaver, President of the Berkeley County Council, State Councilor Dale Dailey introduced the West Virginia State and National officers.  Prizes were awarded to the golf winners from a tournament held at The Woods Resort earlier in the day and then drawings for various door prizes were given throughout the evening.
 
Before retiring to the adjacent room for hors d’oeuvers, fellowship and entertainment, song leader Jerry Frye led everyone in one verse of “God Bless America” with all joining hands in singing.  Entertainment was then provided by Rick Vance and Live Stream.
 
A memorial service was held on Friday morning in remembrance of our deceased members of the past year.
 
Friday’s business session opened at 9:30 with State Councilor Dale Dailey presiding.  After new members were installed and visitors welcomed, a Jr. Order member and prominent businessman of  Berkeley County,  Lewis Braithwaite delivered a well received keynote speech based on the Jr. Order Motto of Virtue, Liberty and Patriotism.  Committee appointments were made and National officers were introduced. The remaining of the business day was comprised of 14 resolutions that were reviewed   and approved. 
 
While dinner music was being played by DJ Rick Rohn, everyone enjoyed the delicious banquet food and good fellowship.  The speaker for the evening was WV State Police Chaplain, Corporal Mathew Gilmore who delivered a most inspirational and moving speech.  Past National Councilor Dennis Everett and Past State Councilor Chris Puffenburger auctioned a money cake and a donated quilt.  Many enjoyed dancing to a variety of music provided by DJ Rick Rohn and all enjoyed the fellowship of the evening which included door prizes and Chinese auction drawings.
 
Reconvening on Saturday, one more resolution was acted upon.   National Councilor Charles Riehs addressed the session concerning various ways we can grow our membership to include the use of face book and our “Hello Neighbor” pamphlet.  Officers were elected and installed by the National Councilor.  The new State Councilor presented his program for the coming year which was adopted and the members pledging to work with him.
 
 
 
The State Council officers for 2017-18 are:           
 
                                                Councilor                                Gary Vance
                                                Vice Councilor                        Barbara Hewitt
                                                Secretary                                 Joyce Everett
                                                Treasurer                                 Jerry Frye
                                                Chaplain                                  David Kendig
                                                Conductor                               Carroll Bonnett
                                                Warden                                   Pat Mosco
                                                Inside Sentinel                                    Gary Harshman          
                                                Outside Sentinel                     Chris Puffenburger
 
State Councilor Gary Vance ended this State Session until the July 2018 convention at Mineral Wells.  Chaplain David Kendig closed in prayer.
 
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