Helen Charleton Endowment

He was the bugler in each of the four years he was in the AMA Corps of Cadets. He went on to have a sterling career in business, and now, many years later, he is remembered fondly as a mentor by a long-time business associate.

The cadet was William Charleton, '15; this past year, his widow endowed two internships at the AMA Museum. John Botcheller, '67, is the nephew of Helen and William Charleton. William passed away in 1988.

John writes: "l received a letter from a retired businessman, Skip Ordeman, who knew my uncle for over 35 years during their paper industry careers. He sent Nancy and me a letter on the appropriateness of the AMA Museum Internship. My uncle's mentoring passion continued long after he retired from Mead Paper Company (now MeadWestvaco), and he and his wife sponsored three of their nephews to attend AMA: Rich Maschak, '71; William Maschak, '83, and me. "

Mr. Ordeman's letter follows:

December 30, 2013

He was the friendliest and most outgoing person you would ever want to meet. He was a great salesman and a mentor to all his young salespeople. He had no children of his own, which may partly account for his interest in each of us and our development.

Kiddo wanted us to be good salesmen and continually better ourselves to be prepared for whatever opportunities might come our way. His one-on-one sales training, talking with you about your accounts, and giving a mix of account types to broaden our experience, encouraging us to take printing courses and join printer organizations, were all part of his self-improvement program. One of the most helpful things he did for the other salespeople and me was to encourage us to join Toastmasters. This organization improves your speaking ability and builds self-confidence. Kiddo explained how he had personally passed up many opportunities to speak, which might have furthered his advancement within the company.

"Always make yourself more valuable," he used to say. I've always tried to follow his words of advice. They have been tremendously helpful to me throughout my life. I have passed the same message along to my children and grandchildren.

Kiddo was a great mentor! I'm pleased, but not surprised, to learn his widow has made a generous donation to help continue his mentoring in support of Augusta Military Academy's intern program. I am sure he would be pleased!

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The First William Charleton Internships were awarded in the summer (2013). Two students from Bridgewater College — Sarah Rico and Jordan Stordahl – were the first interns to participate in the program. They worked under our Museum Director's direction and were compensated for their time.

The Internships, created by Mrs. Charleton, provide income for deserving undergraduate or graduate college students attending school in the Fort Defiance area – Mary Baldwin, Blue Ridge Community College, James Madison, Bridgewater, and similar institutions.

As we move toward having the museum accredited, we need willing hands to help.

Those interested in an internship should contact the Museum Director at 540-248-3007.