The Upshur County Republican Executive Committee held its annual Lincoln Day Dinner on March 15 at the Bicentennial Inn. Vice-Chairman LeVera Gillum welcomed attendees and introduced Chairman Robbie Martin.
Gillum also introduced special guests at the head table, including Col. Robert Kincaid (Ret.), who opened with prayer and acknowledged all veterans, thanking them for their service, sacrifice and commitment to the nation.
- Vice-Chairman LeVera Gillum introduces Chairman Robbie Martin.
Kincaid has an extensive background in education, military service and business. Gillum said she knows Kincaid from church and the VFW, where he serves as commander. She said five words shared by his friends describe him: “Christian, patriot, statesman, officer and gentleman.”
Governor Patrick Morrisey was also in attendance. Gillum said she first met Morrisey when he came to Upshur County while running for attorney general, recalling that he visited the county nine times in one year. She said as governor, Morrisey has “continually been a true friend to Upshur County.”
WV GOP Chairman Josh Holstein brought greetings from the state party. Dinner was provided by Jaws BBQ, owned and managed by Gary Connell.
Several office holders and candidates were given two minutes to speak about why they are running for office.
- Robert Kincaid, Col., Retired USA Army
Gillum shared that on January 31 she made one of the hardest decisions she has made in a long time. She said she considered running again for one of the two female seats in the second district but ultimately decided not to file. Her husband Keith had a heart attack on November 22, 2025, and she said she needs to put him and her family first.
Gillum plans to complete her current term through June 30, 2026, and said she will continue to volunteer for committee events when she has time.
She was first appointed to the executive committee in 1999 and has run on the ballot in six elections, serving six four-year terms.
Gillum acknowledged fellow committee members Treasurer Doug Roberts, Secretary Jeani Hawkins, Kris Mundy, Lindsay Bever and Gary Connell, thanking each for their service.
- WV GOP Chairman Josh Holstein
She also acknowledged Chairman Martin, saying she has worked with him since he was 14 years old when he started the Teenage Republican group at Buckhannon-Upshur High School. She called him “genuinely kind” and “a true gentleman,” adding that they make a good team.
Gillum noted that Martin has hosted every Republican event since becoming the owner and operator of the Bicentennial Inn and The Peak Pavilion, which employs 15 people. 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. Morrisey 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, saying he has helped with nearly every event and project.
She noted that she has been involved with Republican Women clubs in Upshur County since 1999, serving as president for 13 years. Her leadership earned Central West Virginia Republican Women two Diamond Awards. She finished her term as president at the end of 2025 and will continue as a member.
- Vice-Chairman LeVera Gillum and Chairman Robbie Martin
Central West Virginia Republican Women’s new president, Nina Monroe, was also seated at the head table and led the National Anthem.
In closing, Gillum said it has been an honor to serve the citizens of Upshur County as an elected member of the executive committee and that she will always be thankful for their support.
“Until my last breath, I will support the Republican Party,” Gillum said.
- Keith and LeVera Gillum
