Governor Strickland announces 2010 Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame inductees
By
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Governor Strickland Announces
2010 Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Inductees
Columbus, OH – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced the 2010
inductees to the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. The 20 veterans being inducted
served our nation during times of combat and peace spanning from the Civil
War to Operation Desert Storm.
The 2010 Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held Friday,
November 5 at 3 p.m. in the auditorium of the Franklin County Veterans
Memorial in Columbus. The ceremony is open to the public and begins with a
community reception at 2 p.m.
“We are humbled by the accomplishments of all Ohio veterans and the
contributions they make to our communities and nation,” said Governor
Strickland. “These Ohio Hall of Fame veterans stand out as wonderful
examples of answering the call to a lifetime of service.”
Honorees for the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame are nominated throughout the
year. They include Ohioans from any branch of the military and all eras of
military conflict. A 13-member executive committee of veterans’
representatives reviews the nominations each summer and recommends names to
the governor for induction to the hall of fame.
The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame was established in 1992 to recognize Ohio
veterans who have made significant contributions to their community,
profession, state and nation after serving honorably in the United States
armed forces. In May 2005, the Ohio General Assembly established the Ohio
Veterans Hall of Fame in statue.
The induction ceremony will follow the Columbus Veterans Day parade that
begins at 12 p.m. at the corner of Nationwide Boulevard and High Street and
ends in front of the Franklin County Veterans Memorial on Broad Street.
Editor’s note: Biographical sketches of the 20 inductees follow.
James R. Bodmer
Hamilton County – United States Navy
James Bodmer has contributed thousands of hours of voluntary service to the
police department, schools, veterans’ organizations and other community
functions in the Cincinnati area. In 2000, Bodmer was instrumental in
developing the first Citizens on Patrol group for the College Hill
community, in Cincinnati Police District Five. He has served in a number of
veteran organizations including the Reserve Officers Association of the
United States. Bodmer was inducted into the City of Cincinnati Senior
Citizen’s Hall of Fame in 2007 and in 2009 he received the President’s
Volunteer Service Award for his lifetime of volunteerism.
Glenn M. Cunningham (posthumous induction)
Licking County – United States Air Force – Vietnam War
Glenn Cunningham was a Vietnam War veteran of the United States Air Force.
He retired from the Newark Police Department after 27 years of service.
Cunningham held many offices in several veterans’ organizations including
the Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, the American Legion and Vietnam
Veterans of America. He was the Founder of the Newark/Licking County Police
Athletic League which provides youth athletic programs with police officers.
Cunningham was a member of the Licking County Fraternal Order of Police #127
where he served as President. He was named Newark Jaycees Outstanding Young
Man of Licking County and received the organization’s Distinguished Service
Award two consecutive years.
Azariah W. Doan (posthumous induction)
Clinton County – United States Army – Civil War
Azariah Doan opened a law office in Wilmington in 1853 and served as Clinton
County’s Prosecuting Attorney from 1855 to 1861. When the Civil War began,
he was among the first to volunteer his services. He assisted in raising
Company B, 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry which was the first
company, offered to the State in response to President Lincoln’s call for
men. After the war, Doan served two sessions in the Ohio State Senate from
1866 to 1867. He also was a member of the Ohio Constitutional Convention of
1873-74. In the spring of 1875, Doan was elected Judge of the Second
Judicial District of Common Pleas of the Third Subdivision Court.
Robert (Bob) Evans (posthumous induction)
Gallia County – United States Army – World War II
In 1940, Bob Evans purchased a malt shop in Gallipolis and ran it until he
was called to active duty in the United States Army in 1943. In 1954, Evans
purchased the Niamiah Woods Farm that would soon become Bob Evans Farms. By
2007, his company made $1.6 billion in sales from its restaurants, operating
more than 579 Bob Evans Restaurants in 18 states and 115 Mimi’s Café
restaurants in 20 states. Bob retired from the company in 1986 to devote
himself to numerous causes. In 1977, he was appointed to the Ohio Board of
Regents where he served for 13 years. His most enduring legacy is the Ohio
Appalachian Center for Higher Education. The center assists 29 Ohio and West
Virginia counties placing an emphasis on “access to opportunity” and
promoting higher education to both youth and adults.
Edward R. Fellabaum, Jr.
Monroe County – United States Navy – Korean War
Edward Fellabaum has been involved with the Boy Scouts of America since
1944. In 2000, he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award by the Ohio River
Council. He has held many appointed and elected offices in veterans’
organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Korean War Veterans
Association. Fellabaum publishes articles on local heroes in the news media
to help bring awareness of veterans to local communities. He faithfully
serves on the Powhatan Honor Guard participating in veterans’ funeral
details.
John D. Guinn
Warren County – United States Army
John Guinn is the President and Founder of The Thank you Foundation, a
non-profit organization dedicated to expressing gratitude to members of the
U.S. Armed Forces both past and present. Through The Thank You Foundation, a
donation of $350,000 was given by a local corporation to construct a 40-foot
Mobile Health Unit for the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. Because of this
mobile unit, more than 1,000 veterans have been enrolled in VA Healthcare.
Guinn also was instrumental in helping the Cincinnati VA Medical Center
organize two Welcome Home Celebrations for local veterans. He is an active
member of the American Legion, the Association of the United States Army and
the Blue Star Mothers.
Robert W. Hudson
Knox County – United States Air Force – Vietnam War
Robert Hudson initiated a plan to create a Veterans Walk of Honor to
commemorate all veterans from Knox County. This memorial was dedicated in
1998 on the Mount Vernon Public Square. He is a Life member of the Veterans
of Foreign Wars and AMVETS. Hudson is an active member of the Red Cross
Disaster Control Team and has been deployed across the country numerous
times since 2005. In 2009, he was chosen as the American Red Cross of Knox
County Volunteer-of-the Year for Disaster Services. In 2000, he established
the Hot Meals Program which serves meals at different churches throughout
his community, seven nights a week.
Eugene L. Inman, Sr. (posthumous induction)
Miami County – United States Army – Korean War
Eugene Inman was a highly decorated Korean War veteran who served as a
rifleman with the 2nd Infantry Division, 9th Regiment, 1st Battalion. He was
a Prisoner of War for more than three years. Inman made it his mission to
ensure that other Veterans received the benefits they earned. He also
reached out to widows to make sure they were aware of their benefits. Inman
was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans,
Korean War Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart and the American
Ex-Prisoners of War. He was inducted into the Purple Heart Hall of Fame in
2008.
David R. Medert
Ross County – United States Army – World War II
David Medert volunteered for the U.S. Army during World War II. After the
war, he became a member of the Ohio Highway Patrol, serving in communities
from Gallipolis to Mansfield. He retired at the rank of Assistant District
Commander in 1981. Medert has been a member of the American Legion Post 62
for more than 25 years. He joined the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil
War (SUVCW) in 1988. Medert was elected National Commander-in-Chief in 1995.
As the leader of this national organization, he played an important role in
preserving our Civil War heritage by championing the need to honor all
military veterans and promoting the preservation of memorials to military
veterans.
Stephen E. Miller
Franklin County – United States Army – Vietnam War
Stephen Miller is the founder and CEO of the Columbus Veterans Beneficial
Board a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to
numerous veterans’ organizations and veterans in need. He has been a Life
member of the Veterans of Foreign War for more than 37 years. Miller also is
a Life member of American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS and
Vietnam Veterans of America. In May 2010, he was the first individual to be
presented the Columbus Patriotic Service Award by the City of Columbus.
Miller was recognized for his years of dedication to fellow veterans and the
military community in central Ohio.
Robert J. Otterman
Summit County – United States Marine Corps – Korean War
Robert Otterman returned home from the Korean War, and used his G.I. Bill
education benefits to pursue his degree in Social Studies. Soon after, he
began working as a high school teacher while continuing his studies and
earning Otterman a Masters degree in Administration. Just two years after
being elected to his first public office, he continued his life-long
commitment to young people by becoming a high school guidance counselor.
After serving nearly 30 years on the Akron City Council, Otterman moved to
state government representing Ohio’s 45th House district in the Ohio House
of Representatives from 2001 through 2008. At the age of 77, he has been
elected to serve on the Akron City Council once again.
Leslie A. Peine
Stark County – United States Air Force – Operation Desert Shield – Operation
Desert Storm
Leslie Peine separated from active duty in 1972 to attend the Methodist
Theological School in Ohio. He returned to active duty in July 1979 as a
chaplain and served an additional 18 years in the Air Force. Peine
continues to serve veterans by providing chaplain services for funerals
locally and at the National Cemetery in Rittman. He is an active member of a
Rotary club that supports a school for orphans in Uganda. His Kiwanis club
provides “Kids IDs” passport type identification documents to local
children. Peine was instrumental in creating The Medal of Honor Memorial and
Veterans Walkway in Massillon. He is a member of the Air Force Association
and Reserve Officers Association.
Richard G. Perales
Greene County – United States Air Force
Richard Perales has been a community leader in Greene County and the Miami
Valley since his retirement from the United States Air Force in 1997. He
was a member of the Dayton inner city school revitalization program. Perales
served as a member of the Beavercreek Board of Zoning Appeals, before being
elected Mayor of Beavercreek in 2002. His leadership and collaboration
earned him the Jaycees Ohio Outstanding Mayor award in 2003. He won a seat
on the Greene County Commission in 2005. His impact has been recognized with
his 2009 selection as One of the Most Influential People of the Decade in
the Dayton Region.
George F. Qua
Cuyahoga County – United States Army – Korean War Era
George Qua served more than 40 years with the Greater Cleveland Chapter of
the American Red Cross recruiting donors for blood drives. He made it his
mission to bring the Boy Scouts program to the underserved areas of
Cleveland. For more than 36 years, he has served on the Executive Board of
the Boy Scouts of America – Greater Cleveland Chapter. This year, he
received the National Hall of Fame Leadership Award for his involvement on
the local, national and international levels. Qua is a member of the 82nd
Airborne Division Association, the American Legion, Korean War Veterans
Association, 101st Airborne Division Association and the Association of the
United States Army.
Robert (Doc) N. Richmond
Morgan County – United States Air Force
Robert (Doc) Richmond graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at
the Ohio State University in 1960. He is a member of the Southeastern Ohio
Academy of Veterinary Medicine, District Nine and the Ohio Veterinary
Medical Association. He served a four-year term on the Ohio Veterinary
Medical Licensing Board. Through his efforts as part of the local Airport
Authority, a hanger was built, and Morgan County was able to become the Med
Flight location for the surrounding southeastern Ohio area. Richmond is most
proud of being President of the Morgan County Library System. During his
tenure, a new library was built and the Chesterhill Library was renovated.
William B. Ruth
Franklin County – United States Army – World War II
William Ruth was given the task of building Ohio’s first adult vocational
education system. Through his efforts adult vocational education was
included in federally funded programs. During Ruth’s career, Ohio’s system
of adult workforce leadership grew to national acclaim. For the past 20
years, he has been making World War II presentations to local schools. He
volunteered for the local Alzheimer’s Association, the Franklin County
Retired Teachers Association and the Whitehall Credit Union. In 2010, Ruth
was recognized with an Honorary Doctorate of Letters in Community Leadership
by the Franklin University Board of Trustees and its President.
James G. Saunders
Madison County – United States Marine Corps
James Saunders’ very successful career with AT&T and Western Electric
spanned more than 32 years. He is an active member of the American Legion
Post #201 where he coordinates the local post Boys State Program. Saunders
also is a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. He makes monthly
visits to the Chillicothe VA Medical Center where he organizes events and
provides necessary supplies for patients. Saunders was very involved in
restoring the Hampton Cemetery where many veterans, including Civil War
veterans are buried.
William C. Smith
Franklin County – United States Army – World War II
William Smith serves as a Service Officer for the Worthington Veterans of
Foreign Wars Post # 2398. He was instrumental in initiating the post’s
One-stop program, which is designed to assist service members with any kind
of problem. He is a noted speaker on the price of freedom and patriotism. In
2001, Bill worked with the State of Ohio Veterans of Foreign Wars and the
French government to award the Jubile de la Liberte to 39 D-day veterans
during a ceremony in January 2002. In 2003, Bill was inducted into the
Military Hall of Fame for Heroism in combat operations.
Nelson (Dean) Smittle
Hamilton County – United States Army – United States Air Force – Vietnam War
Nelson (Dean) Smittle is a noted Military Analyst for local and national
media including 700 WLW radio’s Jim Scott Morning Show, WCPO (ABC), WLW and
FOX 19. He does morning radio and TV segments promoting veterans’ issues and
benefits, in addition to current military news. Smittle is a spokesperson
and lecturer for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides
scholarships to children of special operations personnel killed in combat.
Dean is a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, the 82nd Airborne
Association, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Robert L. Thurman
Franklin County – United States Air Force
After the start of the first Gulf War, Robert Thurman remembered the times
he received Care Packages from home when he served in the military. He
organized a program through his Lions Club to collect, pack and mail
packages to armed forces members serving overseas. In January 2008, Thurman
experienced some health issues and had to have his right leg amputated below
the knee. He learned first-hand the difficulties that amputees face. He
responded by creating Buckeye Amputees for Action to help other amputees
regain their ability to work and maintain their mobility and independence.
For his efforts in helping amputees, Bob received the Mildred Henderson
Community Service Award in 2009.
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has announced the 2010 inductees to the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. The 20 veterans being inducted served our nation during times of combat and peace spanning from the Civil War to Operation Desert Storm.
The 2010 Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame induction ceremony was Nov. 5 in the auditorium of the Franklin County Veterans Memorial in Columbus.
“We are humbled by the accomplishments of all Ohio veterans and the contributions they make to our communities and nation,” said Governor Strickland. “These Ohio Hall of Fame veterans stand out as wonderful examples of answering the call to a lifetime of service.”
Honorees for the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame are nominated throughout the year. They include Ohioans from any branch of the military and all eras of military conflict. A 13-member executive committee of veterans’ representatives reviews the nominations each summer and recommends names to the governor for induction to the hall of fame.
The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame was established in 1992 to recognize Ohio veterans who have made significant contributions to their community, profession, state and nation after serving honorably in the United States armed forces. In May 2005, the Ohio General Assembly established the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame in statue.
Editor’s note: Biographical sketches of the 20 inductees follow.
James R. Bodmer
Hamilton County – United States Navy
James Bodmer has contributed thousands of hours of voluntary service to the police department, schools, veterans’ organizations and other community functions in the Cincinnati area. In 2000, Bodmer was instrumental in developing the first Citizens on Patrol group for the College Hill community, in Cincinnati Police District Five. He has served in a number of veteran organizations including the Reserve Officers Association of the United States. Bodmer was inducted into the City of Cincinnati Senior Citizen’s Hall of Fame in 2007 and in 2009 he received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for his lifetime of volunteerism.
Glenn M. Cunningham (posthumous induction)
Licking County – United States Air Force – Vietnam War
Glenn Cunningham was a Vietnam War veteran of the United States Air Force. He retired from the Newark Police Department after 27 years of service. Cunningham held many offices in several veterans’ organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, the American Legion and Vietnam Veterans of America. He was the Founder of the Newark/Licking County Police Athletic League which provides youth athletic programs with police officers. Cunningham was a member of the Licking County Fraternal Order of Police #127 where he served as President. He was named Newark Jaycees Outstanding Young
Man of Licking County and received the organization’s Distinguished Service Award two consecutive years.
Azariah W. Doan (posthumous induction)
Clinton County – United States Army – Civil War
Azariah Doan opened a law office in Wilmington in 1853 and served as Clinton County’s Prosecuting Attorney from 1855 to 1861. When the Civil War began, he was among the first to volunteer his services. He assisted in raising Company B, 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry which was the first company, offered to the State in response to President Lincoln’s call for men. After the war, Doan served two sessions in the Ohio State Senate from 1866 to 1867. He also was a member of the Ohio Constitutional Convention of 1873-74. In the spring of 1875, Doan was elected Judge of the Second Judicial District of Common Pleas of the Third Subdivision Court.
Robert (Bob) Evans (posthumous induction)
Robert (Bob) Evans (posthumous induction)
Gallia County – United States Army – World War II
In 1940, Bob Evans purchased a malt shop in Gallipolis and ran it until he was called to active duty in the United States Army in 1943. In 1954, Evans purchased the Niamiah Woods Farm that would soon become Bob Evans Farms. By 2007, his company made $1.6 billion in sales from its restaurants, operating more than 579 Bob Evans Restaurants in 18 states and 115 Mimi’s Café restaurants in 20 states. Bob retired from the company in 1986 to devote himself to numerous causes. In 1977, he was appointed to the Ohio Board of Regents where he served for 13 years. His most enduring legacy is the Ohio
Appalachian Center for Higher Education. The center assists 29 Ohio and West Virginia counties placing an emphasis on “access to opportunity” and promoting higher education to both youth and adults.
Edward R. Fellabaum, Jr.
Monroe County – United States Navy – Korean War
Edward Fellabaum has been involved with the Boy Scouts of America since 1944. In 2000, he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award by the Ohio River Council. He has held many appointed and elected offices in veterans’ organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Korean War Veterans Association. Fellabaum publishes articles on local heroes in the news media to help bring awareness of veterans to local communities. He faithfully
serves on the Powhatan Honor Guard participating in veterans’ funeral details.
John D. Guinn
Warren County – United States Army
John Guinn is the President and Founder of The Thank you Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to expressing gratitude to members of the U.S. Armed Forces both past and present. Through The Thank You Foundation, a donation of $350,000 was given by a local corporation to construct a 40-foot Mobile Health Unit for the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. Because of this mobile unit, more than 1,000 veterans have been enrolled in VA Healthcare. Guinn also was instrumental in helping the Cincinnati VA Medical Center organize two Welcome Home Celebrations for local veterans. He is an active member of the American Legion, the Association of the United States Army and
the Blue Star Mothers.
Robert W. Hudson
Knox County – United States Air Force – Vietnam War
Robert Hudson initiated a plan to create a Veterans Walk of Honor to commemorate all veterans from Knox County. This memorial was dedicated in 1998 on the Mount Vernon Public Square. He is a Life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and AMVETS. Hudson is an active member of the Red Cross Disaster Control Team and has been deployed across the country numerous times since 2005. In 2009, he was chosen as the American Red Cross of Knox County Volunteer-of-the Year for Disaster Services. In 2000, he established the Hot Meals Program which serves meals at different churches throughout
his community, seven nights a week.
Eugene L. Inman, Sr. (posthumous induction)
Miami County – United States Army – Korean War
Eugene Inman was a highly decorated Korean War veteran who served as a rifleman with the 2nd Infantry Division, 9th Regiment, 1st Battalion. He was a Prisoner of War for more than three years. Inman made it his mission to ensure that other Veterans received the benefits they earned. He also reached out to widows to make sure they were aware of their benefits. Inman was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Korean War Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart and the American
Ex-Prisoners of War. He was inducted into the Purple Heart Hall of Fame in 2008.
David R. Medert
Ross County – United States Army – World War II
David Medert volunteered for the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, he became a member of the Ohio Highway Patrol, serving in communities from Gallipolis to Mansfield. He retired at the rank of Assistant District Commander in 1981. Medert has been a member of the American Legion Post 62 for more than 25 years. He joined the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) in 1988. Medert was elected National Commander-in-Chief in 1995. As the leader of this national organization, he played an important role in preserving our Civil War heritage by championing the need to honor all
military veterans and promoting the preservation of memorials to military veterans.
Stephen E. Miller
Franklin County – United States Army – Vietnam War
Stephen Miller is the founder and CEO of the Columbus Veterans Beneficial Board a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to numerous veterans’ organizations and veterans in need. He has been a Life member of the Veterans of Foreign War for more than 37 years. Miller also is a Life member of American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS and Vietnam Veterans of America. In May 2010, he was the first individual to be presented the Columbus Patriotic Service Award by the City of Columbus. Miller was recognized for his years of dedication to fellow veterans and the
military community in central Ohio.
Robert J. Otterman
Summit County – United States Marine Corps – Korean War
Robert Otterman returned home from the Korean War, and used his G.I. Bill education benefits to pursue his degree in Social Studies. Soon after, he began working as a high school teacher while continuing his studies and earning Otterman a Masters degree in Administration. Just two years after being elected to his first public office, he continued his life-long commitment to young people by becoming a high school guidance counselor.
After serving nearly 30 years on the Akron City Council, Otterman moved to state government representing Ohio’s 45th House district in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2001 through 2008. At the age of 77, he has been elected to serve on the Akron City Council once again.
Leslie A. Peine
Stark County – United States Air Force – Operation Desert Shield – Operation
Desert Storm
Leslie Peine separated from active duty in 1972 to attend the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. He returned to active duty in July 1979 as a chaplain and served an additional 18 years in the Air Force. Peine continues to serve veterans by providing chaplain services for funerals locally and at the National Cemetery in Rittman. He is an active member of a Rotary club that supports a school for orphans in Uganda. His Kiwanis club provides “Kids IDs” passport type identification documents to local children. Peine was instrumental in creating The Medal of Honor Memorial and Veterans Walkway in Massillon. He is a member of the Air Force Association and Reserve Officers Association.
Richard G. Perales
Greene County – United States Air Force
Richard Perales has been a community leader in Greene County and the Miami Valley since his retirement from the United States Air Force in 1997. He was a member of the Dayton inner city school revitalization program. Perales served as a member of the Beavercreek Board of Zoning Appeals, before being elected Mayor of Beavercreek in 2002. His leadership and collaboration earned him the Jaycees Ohio Outstanding Mayor award in 2003. He won a seat on the Greene County Commission in 2005. His impact has been recognized with his 2009 selection as One of the Most Influential People of the Decade in the Dayton Region.
George F. Qua
Cuyahoga County – United States Army – Korean War Era
George Qua served more than 40 years with the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the American Red Cross recruiting donors for blood drives. He made it his mission to bring the Boy Scouts program to the underserved areas of Cleveland. For more than 36 years, he has served on the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America – Greater Cleveland Chapter. This year, he received the National Hall of Fame Leadership Award for his involvement on the local, national and international levels. Qua is a member of the 82nd
Airborne Division Association, the American Legion, Korean War Veterans Association, 101st Airborne Division Association and the Association of the United States Army.
Robert (Doc) N. Richmond
Morgan County – United States Air Force
Robert (Doc) Richmond graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the Ohio State University in 1960. He is a member of the Southeastern Ohio Academy of Veterinary Medicine, District Nine and the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association. He served a four-year term on the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board. Through his efforts as part of the local Airport Authority, a hanger was built, and Morgan County was able to become the Med Flight location for the surrounding southeastern Ohio area. Richmond is most proud of being President of the Morgan County Library System. During his tenure, a new library was built and the Chesterhill Library was renovated.
William B. Ruth
Franklin County – United States Army – World War II
William Ruth was given the task of building Ohio’s first adult vocational education system. Through his efforts adult vocational education was included in federally funded programs. During Ruth’s career, Ohio’s system of adult workforce leadership grew to national acclaim. For the past 20 years, he has been making World War II presentations to local schools. He volunteered for the local Alzheimer’s Association, the Franklin County Retired Teachers Association and the Whitehall Credit Union. In 2010, Ruth was recognized with an Honorary Doctorate of Letters in Community Leadership by the Franklin University Board of Trustees and its President.
James G. Saunders
Madison County – United States Marine Corps
James Saunders’ very successful career with AT&T and Western Electric spanned more than 32 years. He is an active member of the American Legion Post #201 where he coordinates the local post Boys State Program. Saunders also is a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. He makes monthly visits to the Chillicothe VA Medical Center where he organizes events and provides necessary supplies for patients. Saunders was very involved in restoring the Hampton Cemetery where many veterans, including Civil War veterans are buried.
William C. Smith
Franklin County – United States Army – World War II
William Smith serves as a Service Officer for the Worthington Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 2398. He was instrumental in initiating the post’s One-stop program, which is designed to assist service members with any kind of problem. He is a noted speaker on the price of freedom and patriotism. In 2001, Bill worked with the State of Ohio Veterans of Foreign Wars and the French government to award the Jubile de la Liberte to 39 D-day veterans during a ceremony in January 2002. In 2003, Bill was inducted into the Military Hall of Fame for Heroism in combat operations.
Nelson (Dean) Smittle
Hamilton County – United States Army – United States Air Force – Vietnam War Nelson (Dean) Smittle is a noted Military Analyst for local and national media including 700 WLW radio’s Jim Scott Morning Show, WCPO (ABC), WLW and FOX 19. He does morning radio and TV segments promoting veterans’ issues and benefits, in addition to current military news. Smittle is a spokesperson and lecturer for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides scholarships to children of special operations personnel killed in combat. Dean is a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, the 82nd Airborne
Association, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Robert L. Thurman
Franklin County – United States Air Force
After the start of the first Gulf War, Robert Thurman remembered the times he received Care Packages from home when he served in the military. He organized a program through his Lions Club to collect, pack and mail packages to armed forces members serving overseas. In January 2008, Thurman experienced some health issues and had to have his right leg amputated below the knee. He learned first-hand the difficulties that amputees face. He responded by creating Buckeye Amputees for Action to help other amputees regain their ability to work and maintain their mobility and independence.
For his efforts in helping amputees, Bob received the Mildred Henderson Community Service Award in 2009.
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