A Labor of Love: Wheeling Native Brings “Flying WV” License Plates to Ohio
In a testament to the power of perseverance and school spirit, Neil Armstrong, a Wheeling native and proud West Virginia University (WVU) alumnus, has successfully spearheaded a bill that will allow Ohio residents to purchase license plates featuring the iconic “Flying WV” logo.
Armstrong’s journey began a few years ago, when he learned that the University of Alabama and Marshall University had secured similar legislation, enabling Ohioans to showcase their allegiance to those schools on their license plates. Determined to bring the same opportunity to WVU fans, Armstrong contacted Ohio State Sen. Steve Wilson’s office in 2023 to explore the possibility.
After a brief hiatus, Armstrong received an unexpected email from Wilson’s office, informing him that the bill was ready to move forward. With the senator’s support, the bill sailed through the Ohio Legislature, paving the way for the “Flying WV” license plate.
To bring this initiative to fruition, Armstrong must collect 150 “wet” signatures from individuals committed to purchasing the plate. With approximately 60 signatures already secured, Armstrong is confident that he will exceed the minimum requirement. He plans to rally support through the WVU Alumni Association, as well as at upcoming Mountaineer events, including a men’s basketball game and a baseball game.
The “Flying WV” license plate is more than just a symbol of school pride; it also supports a worthy cause. For each plate sold, $25 will be allocated to West Virginia University scholarships for Ohio residents. Armstrong estimates that if 1,000 plates are sold, the scholarship fund will receive $25,000 annually, totaling $250,000 over a decade.
Armstrong’s dedication to this project stems from his desire to provide Ohioans with a way to showcase their Mountaineer spirit, while also giving back to the community. As he notes, “This is an opportunity to really help students throughout the state, and that was one of the big reasons we wanted to do this.”
