(a)(1) The secretary shall create a West Virginia Military Hall of Fame with the mission to honor veterans of West Virginia who have distinguished themselves on the field of battle and who have also made significant contributions to the state or their communities following their military service. The honorees must:

(A) Have been honorably discharged or separated under honorable conditions from the Armed Forces of the United States and be of good moral character; and

(B) Be natural born citizens of West Virginia; or

(D) Have resided in West Virginia for at least 8 years.

(2) Nominations shall include a nomination form approved by the secretary, a DD214 or other supporting Department of Defense personnel records, or national or state archive records substantiating the nominee’s military service, and a copy of any citation received, including any supporting documentation.

(b) In order to be considered, a nominee must have been awarded any of the following during his or her time in service:

(1) Medal of Honor;

(2) Army Distinguished Service Cross;

(3) Navy Cross;

(4) Air Force Cross;

(5) Coast Guard Cross;

(6) Silver Star;

(7) Distinguished Flying Cross;

(8) Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device;

(9) Air Medal with “V” Device;

(10) Commendation Medal With “V” Device;

(11) Joint Service Achievement Medal With “V” Device; or

(12) Purple Heart.

(c) There shall be created the West Virginia Military Hall of Fame Board consisting of seven members who shall be residents of this state and who have served in and been honorably discharged or separated under honorable conditions from the Armed Forces of the United States. In addition to the seven members of the board, the secretary shall be an ex officio member and shall serve as its chair.

(d) Where feasible, members of the board shall be veterans who are active in the veteran community, with consideration given to ensure a diverse representation of service branches in board membership. Additionally, no more than four members shall be from the same congressional district.

(e) The secretary shall promulgate rules for legislative approval in accordance with §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code to implement the purpose and mission of the Military Hall of Fame.