BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Raleigh County Veterans and First Responders Museum on Friday recognized donations from two key museum contributors, Beckley Area Foundation and the Academy of Careers and Technology.
A ceremony was held Friday morning and featured members of the Raleigh County Veterans and First Responders Museum Board, including Board President Ron Hedrick who addressed those in attendance regarding changes and upgrades to the veterans museum, including the recognition of first responders as part of the name.
“It offers so much more to a community, and it attracts more people to come to the museum,” said Hedrick. “It allows us to put ourselves out there to attract more people from out of the area. We hope someday to be a place where people come [to Beckley] just to see us and then while they’re here, maybe they can go see something else. That’s obviously the ultimate goal of any recreational attraction.”
Raleigh County Veterans and First Responders Museum Board Member, Sherrie Hunter commented on Hedrick’s vision for the facility, stating, “Ron is an amazing community servant. Ron is also one of those ‘think outside of the box’ individuals and he’s a visionary. Having all of you here really touches our hearts… Ron, thank you for leading with a servant’s heart.”
Near the ceremony’s end, Beckley Area Foundation presented the Raleigh County Veteran’s and First Responders Museum with a donation in the form of a check for $58,000 to go toward the continued expansion of the facility.
Those in attendance were also able to observe the recently donated fire engine from the Academy of Careers and Technology, which was brought to the front of the facility for viewing.
The Raleigh County Veterans and First Responders Museum can be found at 201 South Eisenhower Drive, the former location of the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office.
