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.


