PARADE MARSHALLS
157th West Virginia Memorial Day
Parade Grand Marshall
Willis Nestor
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Willis Nestor was born at home in the Lucritia area of Grafton, WV on March 10, 1932, the son of Lorn and Onda Nestor. His Family moved to a farm in Knottsville in 1939. His siblings included 1 brother and 7 sisters. He grew up after the end of the depression and learned at a young age the value of hard work.
Willis graduated from Grafton High School in 1950. He wanted to serve his country during the Korean War so on march 25, 1951 he enlisted in the United States Air Force as an Airman 1st Class, 20th Air Force. Willis traveled 3 days by train from WV to San Antonio, Texas for his Bootcamp. From there he was sent to Blairsville, Pennsylvania and then on to Cheyenne, Wyoming to attend mechanic and advanced welding school. In March 1952 Willis was transferred to Camp Stoneman, California. After 13 days at camp Stoneman, He was shipped to Okinawa, Japan on the ship “The Anderson”. It took 18 days form California to reach Okinawa. He was stationed at a B29 Base in Okinawa. His two year stay in Okinawa consisted of construction and mechanic work as well as lots of Guard Duty.
Willis left Okinawa in March 1954 on the ship “The Mitchell”. It took 17 days to return to the States. He was stations in Missouri until he was Honorably discharged on March 24, 1955.
After returning home, Willis went to work for the B&O Railroad working in many different departments. On August 2, 1958, he married Patricia Bolyard spending 56 wonderful years together. The marriage gave them 5 children and as of today Willis has 14 grandchildren, 23 great -grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Willis retired on March 10, 1994 as a brakeman conductor with over 38 years with the Railroad.
Willis is a longtime member of the Knottsville United Methodist Church. He is a lifetime member of the Taylor County VFW. He is also a member of the Grafton Masonic Lodge #15, the Scottish Rite 32nd Degree, the Osiris Shrine Club and the Taylor County Shrine Club.
Willis is most proud to be a volunteer member of the Taylor County Honor Guard. He joined the Honor Guard in 1997 and as of the end of 2023 he has participated in over 3,000 military funerals. Willis is currently the oldest member (92 years old) of the Honor Guard with a few not far behind him in age. Willis would like to encourage all veterans, young or old, to volunteer with their local Honor Guard so they can continue to render military honors to veterans and their families during funeral services
Parade Marshall
Jessica Lynch
Jessica Lynch is a former Private First Class (PFC) in the United States Army and a former Prisoner of War. On March 23, 2003, she was injured and captured by Iraqi forces after her unit was ambushed in iraq. She was rescued after nine days in captivity on April 1, 2003 by U.S. special operations forces. Jessica's rescue was the first successful rescue of an American POW since World War II. Today, Jessica speaks to various groups around the United States about overcoming her obstacles and how perseverance helped her survive. Jessica further explains that despite the most difficult circumstances - whatever they might be - a positive outlook and determination can truly help individuals live fulfilling lives and accomplish their goals. Jessica has a Bachelors of Arts degree for Elementary Education K-6 and a Masters of Arts degree in Communication Studies. Jessica has appeared on Good Morning America, Today Show, CBS Morning Show, Huckabee Show, CNN, MSNBC, David Letterman Show, Fox, Prime Time on ABC with Dianne Sawyer, E News!, CBN, and various local networks throughout the country. She has appared on numerous magazine covers such as TIME and People. She has been named West Virginian of the Year as well as Glamour magazine Woman of the Year.