PARADE MARSHALLS
Brooke Russell, Parade Marshall
Born in Grafton, WV May 13, 1945, to Troxell Olin Mason Sr. and Ruth Lucille Bolyard Mason. Being raised up in the service living in Philippine Islands, England, Japan and then Germany with first husband.
On August 1, 1961, family returned to Grafton, WV after my father retired from service with the U.S. Army with Corp of Engineers as Lt. Col with 22 1/2 years. I graduated from Grafton High School with class of 1964. In October 1965 graduated from Davis Memorial Hospital School of Practical Nursing in Elkins, WV. Licensed as LPN in WV, Texas, Kentucky and Michigan.
Returned to Grafton May 1985 with daughter Michelle. Volunteer with Taylor County EMS became a Licensed Emergency Technician. Worked at Grafton City Hospital. Transferred to Clarksburg VAMC in 1990. Retired from Louis A. Johnson VAMC Clarksburg WV in 2008 after 42 years as LPN. Serviced in Woman's Army Corp during the Vietnam Era as Sp5 at William Beaumont General Hospital, El Paso, Texas.
Organization: American Legion Taylor County Post #12 PUFL 34 years, 40&8 Voiture Locale #279 17 years, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #0874 Life Member, American Legion Auxiliary Unit #31, VFW Auxiliary Unit #3084, GFWC Woman's Club of Grafton, Taylor County Family Resources, Taylor County Art Council, American Legion Mountaineer Boys State Staff 8 years, and WV Memorial Day Committee 34 years and past Vice Chairman. Member of Blueville United Methodist Church.
Married to John William Russell III for 14 years who got me involved in American Legion Post #12 and WV Memorial Day Committee.
At AL Post #12 I have been past Chaplain, Children and Youth, 1st Vice Commander, Post Commander, and I am presently serving as Adjutant/Finance Officer. Past 2nd District Chaplain, 1st Vice Commander, and Commander. At AL WV Dept level Asst Sgt-At-Arms, Historian, and American Legion Mountaineer Boys State Inc.
I have one daughter Michelle Lynne Lavery, two grandchildren Janelle and Kamron, living in Levittown, Pa. Siblings Capt. Troxell Olin Mason Jr. US Army, Col. Jacqueline Mason-Swanson US Army Ret., and 1st Lt Holden Farrar Mason US Army
HERSHEL “WOODY” WILLIAMS- Honorary Parade Marshal
UIET DELL, W.Va. (WV News) — Hershel “Woody” Williams, a native of Marion County’s Quiet Dell and the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, died Wednesday morning surrounded by his family, according to information released by the Woody Williams Foundation.
Williams, a national hero and favorite son of the Mountain State, devoted his life to advocating for veterans and Gold Star Families. He was 98 years old.
“Today at 3:15 a.m., Hershel Woodrow Williams, affectionately known by many as Woody, went home to be with the Lord,” reads a statement posted Wednesday by the foundation. “Woody peacefully joined his beloved wife Ruby while surrounded by his family at the VA Medical Center which bears his name.” The VA Medical Center in Huntington is named for Williams. Details about Williams’ funeral and memorial services will be shared as that information becomes available, according to the foundation.
“Woody’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude for all of the love and support,” the post reads. “They would also like to share that Woody’s wish is that people continue to carry on his mission.”
According to biographical information from the foundation, Williams enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the Battle of Iwo Jima with the 21st Marines, 3rd Marine Division. During the battle, Williams displayed “valiant devotion to duty” and service above self as he “enabled his company to reach its objective.”
Williams’ actions, commitment to his fellow service members and heroism were recognized on Oct. 5, 1945, when he received the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Harry Truman at the White House.
Williams and his foundation are responsible for establishing 103 Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments across the United States with more than 72 additional monuments underway in 50 states and 1 U.S. Territory.
All correspondence and condolences may be sent to the Woody Williams Foundation via email at contact@woodywilliams.org or via mail at: Woody Williams Foundation 12123 Shelbyville Rd. Suite 100 Louisville, KY 40243.