H. R. 8

(By Mr. Speaker, Mr. Kiss and Delegates Mahan, McGraw,

Susman and R. M. Thompson)

[Introduced January 25, 2002.]



Recognizing, commending and honoring Bill and Lynn O'Brien for their strong support of Beckley and the Raleigh County community and for their exemplary community service.

whereas, Bill and Lynn O'Brien became the owners of WJLS AM& FM in 1996, following a long association with that station; and
whereas, Bill O'Brien has served a two year term as President of the West Virginia Broadcasters Association and was honored as West Virginia Broadcaster Of The Year in 1994; and
whereas, WJLS was the only radio station on the air during the 1997 massive snow storm which struck Raleigh County, keeping the community informed of safety issues and emergency procedures; and
whereas, Although the great amount of service to the community by Bill and Lynn O'Brien and WJLS has largely gone unheralded; and
whereas, Lynn O'Brien is on the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, a moving force in Crimestoppers and a devoted sponsor of the Golden Eagle Club; and
whereas, Bill O'Brien, the voice of the Flying Eagles since 1969, is a strong supporter of United Way; and
whereas, Bill and Lynn O'Brien sponsored a candlelight vigil following the terrorist attack on our country which occurred September 11, 2001, which raised more than fifteen thousand dollars for the benefit of families of the victims of that attack; and
whereas, Bill and Lynn O'Brien's actions serve as a model of community service which everyone should strive to emulate; and
whereas, As a result of the exemplary community service efforts of Bill and Lynn O'Brien, WJLS won the National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Award for community service, an award which is given to less than ten radio stations per year; therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Delegates of West Virginia:
That Bill and Lynn O'Brien be recognized and honored for their years of public service to the Beckley and Raleigh County communities; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forward a copy of this resolution to WJLS, to Bill and Lynn O'Brien and to the County Commission of Raleigh County.