Vice-Chairman LeVera Gillum introduces Chairman Robbie Martin.

BUCKHANNON — LeVera Gillum, Vice-Chairman, Upshur County Republican Executive Committee welcomed the attendees to the annual Lincoln Day Dinner on March 15 at the Bicentennial Inn.

Gillum introduced Chairman Robbie Martin. And several other special guests at the head table.

Robert Kincaid, Col., Retired USA Army, opened his speech with prayer and acknowledged all veterans, thanking them for their service, their sacrifice, and their unwavering commitment to our nation.

Kincaid has a very diverse and extensive background with his education and military service, as well as with the companies he has owned and worked for.

Gillum said she knows Kincaid both from church and the VFW, where he serves as the commander and works for our veterans every day. Gillum said she asked a couple of people from church and the VFW to share one word to describe Kincaid.

Robert Kincaid, Col., Retired USA Army

“Just five words shared by his friends to describe him only add to his tremendous life which he has given to serve his God, his family, the military, the State of West Virginia and United States of America,” she said. “Those words are: Christian, patriot, statesman, officer and gentleman.”

In introducing Gov. Patrick Morrisey, Gillum said she first met him when he came to Upshur County back when he was running for attorney general, and she remembers he visited us here in Upshur County nine times in one year.

As the governor, Gillum said he has continually been a true friend to Upshur County.

During his remarks, West Virginia GOP Chairman Josh Holstein brought greetings from the state Republican Party. He is relatively new in his position, and is doing a great job, Gillum said.

Several office holders and many candidates present were each given two minutes to speak about why they are running for office.

WV GOP Chairman Josh Holstein

Gillum noted that back on Jan. 31st she made one of the hardest decisions that she has made in a very long time. She noted that she was awake most of the night and even called the courthouse at 10 a.m. to ask if anyone was running for the two female seats in the second district for the Executive Committee, and only one person had registered to run.

Gillum said she wanted to run down to the court house and register, but she said her heart said NO.

She shared that her husband, Keith, had a heart attack on Nov. 22, 2025, and she needs to put him and her family first now and nurture him back to good health.

She plans to complete her current term until June 30. She told Chairman Robbie Martin there are lots of events with the Executive Committee that she can and will volunteer to do when she has time.

Gillum was first appointed to the Executive Committee in 1999 when there was an opening, and has run on the ballot for that office in six elections and has served six four-year terms. She noted that she takes pleasure in thinking the voters of Upshur County must have thought she was doing a good job to re-elect her that many times.

She acknowledged other members of the Executive Committee – Treasurer Doug Roberts, Secretary Jeani Hawkins, Kris Mundy, Lindsay Bever and Gary Connell – and thanked each for their service and told them it has been an honor to serve with them.

Gillum said last, but certainly not least, she had to acknowledge Chairman Martin. She said she has worked with him since he was 14 years old when he started the Teenage Republican group at BUHS, and through the years. She said Robbie has been genuinely kind to her, and is a true gentleman. She said she feels they are a good team as chairman and vice-chairman.

She told the group how generous Martin is. She noted that he has hosted every Republican event since he became the owner and operator of the Bicentennial Inn and The Peak Pavilion, which employs 15 individuals.

Martin is serving his fourth term in the West Virginia House of Delegates for the 65th District, which covers the majority of Upshur County, including Buckhannon and Rock Cave. The governor noted in his comments that Martin is doing a great job as a delegate.

Gillum thanked her husband for his help and support through the years. She said he has helped with nearly every event and project.

Gillum noted that she has been involved with Republican Women clubs in Upshur County since 1999 and has served as President for 13 years during that time, and her leadership has earned Central West Virginia Republican Women (CWVRW) two Diamond Awards. She finished her term as President at the end of 2025. She will continue being a member of CWVRW and help when she can.

CWVRW’s new president, Nina Monroe, was also seated at the head table and shared her beautiful voice by leading the National Anthem.

In closing, Gillum said it has been an honor to serve the citizens as an elected member of the Upshur County Republican Executive Committee. Gillum said she will always be thankful their support.

Gillum raised her right hand and said to Holstein and the group, “Until my last breath, I will support the Republican Party.”

The dinner was provided by Jaws BBQ and Gary Connell, owner and manager.