There may never again be a more fitting soldier of West Virginia to honor with a statue than “Bones” Smoot. I propose to build a real bronze statue, as we used to do in the past, of a bearded Master Sergeant Smoot on horseback, smile on his face, just as in the epic photos from 2002 Afghanistan. It would be a nod to our soldiers of past, who rode into battle on horseback, and would also honor the Mountain State’s veterans who served in the wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan, as well as Iraq. I propose that this statue of Master Sergeant Smoot on horseback be erected at the West Virginia State Capitol complex. The legislature goes into session on February 1, 2021. Let’s show support in numbers and collect a contact list of supporters. If the State won’t pay for it, we’ll start a fundraiser. Continue reading →