Lillie Robinson and her daughter, Kim Frazier, recently visited Weston for a very important reason. That reason was to donate the World War II Naval uniform of their loved one, Hoy Robinson, Jr., to the Mountaineer Military Museum. Lillie and Hoy raised their family in Sutton. Kim and her husband, John, live in Roanoke, WV. Mrs. Robinson was delighted there is a place to honor our military personnel. She explained that none of her five children really wanted to store their dad’s military items once she passes. The Weston museum was the perfect depository to protect, display and preserve “Dad’s” military history.
Hoy Robinson, Jr. joined the United States Navy at age 18 in May 1943. During WWII he served as a member of the Naval Armed Guard with duties throughout the Pacific. His first assignment was on a Liberty Ship, used as cargo carriers – ammunition, supplies and troops. Later he served on a tanker ship which carried liquid supplies, mainly gasoline and oil. He received the European Theater Ribbon, Pacific Theater Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, and Victory Medal. He held the rank of Seaman First Class. After the war, Hoy served in the US Naval Reserves and in 1950 transferred to the US Air Force. He rose to rank of Senior Staff Sergeant. From 1954 to 1961, he served in the WV Air National Guard, where he obtained the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He then served in WV Army National Guard. In 1985 he retired from service with 22 years total service in three branches of the United States Military.
The Mountaineer Military Museum is located at 345 Center Avenue in Weston. Barb and Ron McVaney, owners, have run the museum for ten years. They are open on Saturday’s, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., beginning May seventh. The museum does not have an admission fee, but operates solely by donations. On May 28th they will be hosting the annual “VET-Together” for Vietnam veterans. For more information phone 304-516-0800 or visit the website.