Trending
Following weeks of certificates, plaques, awards and other recognitions in honor of his contributions, the Weirton area is saying its goodbyes, this weekend, to Capt. Gene Hunt.
For those who ever had the opportunity to meet Hunt during his five years heading up the local Salvation Army corps, they knew immediately he was not original to our region, as, despite moving around through his career, he has maintained his native North Carolina drawl.
Despite that, he found a way to integrate himself into our communities in a way many of those who are born here never do. Not content just to oversee the Salvation Army's operations in Hancock and Brooke counties, and knowing there were some bridges in disrepair with the organization, when Gene first came to Weirton he started reaching out to business, government and civic leaders.
He went out into the community, introducing himself and putting people's minds at ease with his Tar Heel charm and sense of compassion.
He did more than show up in a parade, or at a check presentation or photo op.
He has been an active Rotarian, Kiwanian, a graduate of Leadership Ohio Valley, a proponent of the United Way and a volunteer at many community functions, as well as holding membership on the Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation and the Hancock County Senior Center Board.
He became integral in not just the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, but offered assistance in last year's Christmas Eve meal as well, even though the Salvation Army's busiest time of the year is situated in between those holidays.
Typically, the life of a Salvation Army corps officer has them moving around quite often. A two-year stay in a community tends to be the norm, although, in some instances, they will be allowed to stay for an additional year or two.
Thanks to his work in our area, and a massive campaign of support from the community, Gene's stay was extended twice. Unfortunately for us, we knew the last extension was going to be it and he would have to leave for a new assignment.
That new assignment will be taking him back home to North Carolina to a community I'm sure will be greatly served by his abilities just as we have been the last five years.
Everyone who has come into contact with Gene Hunt has at least one story to tell.
Mike Lucas, who served alongside him on the senior center board, explained Gene's presence provided a needed element of leadership and guidance in a time of need for the center.
Nick Tranto has told of how, during preparations for the Thanksgiving dinner soon after Gene arrived in town, they ran out of stuffing mix. Gene left, only to arrive a short time later with several cases of brand-name stuffing mix to help finish the dinner.
Weirton City Manager Mike Adams said Gene was one to get in the trenches, not just be a figurehead, telling a story of a family found walking up Cove Road who Gene was able to help. Mayor Harold Miller noted a woman who was having difficulty paying some of her bills and Gene provided assistance.
He has found new opportunities to bring food, clothing and other assistance to our area at a time when the need continues to grow.
For me, he became a friend; someone who always made me feel welcome in my own hometown and put me at ease with a conversation.
He has said it multiple times in recent weeks that he feels as if he's "leaving home to head home."
Gene, I don't know if you will have a chance to read this in the midst of your move, but just know you will always have a home in the Ohio Valley.
(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter/X @ChowellWDT)