Governor Strickland Announces 2009 Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Inductees
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Governor Ted Strickland has announced the 2009 inductees to the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. The 20 veterans include representatives of armed conflicts from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Operation Joint Endeavor and Operation Desert Storm.
"We are humbled by the accomplishments of all of Ohio's 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 of Fame are nominated throughout the year, and include Ohio men and women from any branch of the military and all eras of military conflict. After nominations are submitted, a 13-member executive committee of veterans' representatives recommends the names to the governor for induction into the Hall of Fame.
The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame was established in 1992 to recognize Ohio veterans with honorable military service who have gone on to make significant contributions to their community, profession, state, and nation. In May 2005, the Ohio General Assembly established the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame in statue SB 277 and designated the Ohio Department of Veterans Services shall serve as its administrative agent.
The induction ceremony for the 2009 inductees will be held on Friday, November 6, 2009, at 3:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Franklin County Veterans Memorial in Columbus. The ceremony is open to the public and will be preceded by a public reception beginning at 2:00 o'clock.
The Induction Ceremony will follow the Veterans Day Parade that begins at noon, at the corner of Nationwide Blvd. and High Street, ends on Broad Street in front of Veterans Memorial.
Editors' note: Following is a list of the 2009 Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Inductees, including their home counties.
The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame
2009 Inductees
LEWIS E. BAKER
Coshocton County United States Army Air Corps Veteran World War II and former Prisoner of War
Lewis currently serves as the treasurer for the Ex-POW Wooster Chapter and has been an advocate for countless POW's and widows. His efforts have helped numerous veterans receive their benefits. He is a Past Commander and an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. At 89 years young he still performs Honor Guard duty for his fellow veterans and was the 2007 Veteran of the Year in Wooster.
ROBERT H. BROTHERS
Trumbull County United States Army Veteran Korean War
Mr. Brothers was recognized as one of the 10 Community Stars in 2007, which is an annual event that recognizes ordinary people who make life better through extraordinary caring. Bob is a long time volunteer for community meals, serving the needy and lonely. He is also a volunteer for the American Red Cross Blood Mobile, and is Past President of the Niles Historical Society.
PHYLLIS A. FITZGERALD
Summit County United States Air Force, Ohio Air National Guard Operation Desert Storm
Ms. Fitzgerald serves as Chaplain of the Summit County American Legion Council and has served as the Commander of the American Legion Garfield Post #566 for three years. Ms. Fitzgerald served on St. Francis de Sales Parish Council, and is a member of Portage Lakes Community Council. Phyllis served as District 14 American Legion Commander from 2007-2008.
JOHN E. JACKSON
Gallia County United States Army Operation Joint Endeavor
Pastor Jackson formed a support group for families of deployed service members. He served as Honorary Chairman of the United Way Campaign, Chairman of the Gallia County Chamber of Commerce Community Service Committee for Education, Past Director of the Gallia Farm Bureau, and as a member of the Gallia, Jackson and Meigs Counties, Board of Mental Health.
DONALD I. JAKEWAY
Licking County United States Army World War II
Mr. Jakeway is past Commander of American Legion Post #254. Don was Veteran of the Year in 2003, Legionnaire of the Year in 2004 and received the Inscho-Beasley-Mayfield "Licking County Veterans of the Year" award in 2008. Don has established a scholarship program at a local high school and has had athletic fields named in his honor.
THEODORE G. JENKINS
Lucas County United States Marine Corps World War II and Korean War
Ted served more than 20 years on and chaired the Military Affairs Committee of the Toledo Area Chamber of Commerce, and served a term on the Chamber Board. He is an Emeritus Trustee and former Chair of the Mercy Health Partners Board. Ted also has served on the Toledo area Boards of both the Girl Scouts and the Boy Scouts of America.
WALTER M. LAWSON, JR.
Allen County United States Army World War II and Korean War
Mr. Lawson was a member of Allen County Bar Association where he served as President in 1975 and was a Life Fellow Member of the Ohio State Bar Foundation. He was awarded Optimist of the year in 1984 and was Inducted into the Ohio District Optimist Club Hall of Fame in 1993. In 1999, the Ohio State Bar Foundation awarded Walter the public service award for his 50 years of honorable service.
JACK A. MEYER
Hamilton County United States Navy Korean War Era
Jack is a life member of the Military Officers Association of America. He served as President of the Greater Cincinnati Chapter and Vice President of the Ohio State Council of Chapters.
Mr. Meyer serves as a Board member for the Council on Aging of Southwest Ohio and has enjoyed volunteering all of his life.
THOMAS N. MOE
Fairfield County United States Navy and United States Air Force Vietnam War
Former Prisoner of War and Operation Desert Shield
Mr. Moe is involved in countless civic activities and organizations. During a public service career exceeding 45 years, he has served as an elected member of the Alumni Board of Capital University, a member of the Board of Directors of the City of Bexley Chamber of Commerce, a Cub Scout den leader, a member of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, and a member of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency Logistics Tactical Committee.
GEORGE PETO, JR.
Franklin County United States Marine Corps World War II
Mr. George Peto is actively involved in the First Marine Corps Division Association, the Belleau Wood Detachment of the Marine Corps League, the Marine Corps Association, the Veterans Roundtable, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. His love of children is evident in his commitment to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign and his volunteer efforts with the Boy Scouts of America, Simon Kenton Council.
DORIS M. POWELL
Morgan County United States Women's Army Corps World War II
Ms. Powell was an active member of several Veterans' Service organizations, including the American Legion Post #24 and the American Legion Unit #24 Auxiliary. She also was a lifelong member of the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Post # 4713. Doris was one of the first women to join into the local VFW, having served on active duty during World War II.
MARY REYNOLDS POWELL
Cuyahoga County United States Army Vietnam Veteran
Mary published A World of Hurt: Between Innocence and Arrogance in Vietnam, an account of her own experiences and those of others who served with her. As president of Veterans for Peace, Northeast Ohio Chapter 39, she explores issues of war and peace, veteran suicide, and homelessness.
ALBERT J. ROESE
Pickaway County United States Coast Guard World War II
Albert has logged more than 2,076 hours of volunteer service at the Chillicothe VA Hospital. He still actively speaks at schools and local civic organizations. Albert serves on the Pickaway County Planning and Zoning Board and the Berger Hospital Community Health Care Advisory Board.
CYRIL L. SEDLACKO
Franklin County United States Army World War II Korean War and Ohio Army National Guard
Mr. Sedlacko is a member of the National Guard Association, AMVETS, the American Legion, the Catholic War Veterans, the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the 37th Division Veterans Association. As the secretary of the 37th Division he has assisted widows and family members in ensuring military burial details are arranged and has aided in the reintegration of National Guard troops returning home from overseas deployments.
HERBERT W. SEELBACH, SR.
Trumbull County United States Navy World War II
Mr. Seelbach's talent for and love of music is evident by his 32-year distinguished career as an instrumental music teacher. He received the "Freedoms Foundation Outstanding Teacher" award in 1968. During his musical career, Herb had a strong desire to make music accessible to the community.
PHILLIP R. SHRIVER
Butler County United States Navy World War II
Dr. Phillip Shriver is, President Emeritus of Miami University. During and after his presidency, he taught popular classes on the history of Miami University and the history of Ohio. His Miami history lectures became the basis of a book: Miami University: A Personal History. Miami University's student center is named the Phillip R. Shriver Center in his honor.
FRANK W. TRUITT
Franklin County United States Army World War II
Mr. Truitt is proven to be an exceptionally talented teacher and coach who trained and inspired his students to become champions at the local, state and national levels. Frank has devoted untold hours of his private life to promoting youth groups, veterans groups and community organizations in an effort to provide an opportunity for others to enjoy a successful and productive life.
JOHN W. TWOHIG
Stark County United States Navy Vietnam Era and Ohio Army National Guard
John volunteered to assist veterans and widows at the House Loreta, two Canton nursing homes and Manor Care. In August of 2000, he was recognized by the Ohio Governor's Council on People with Disabilities. John was a true veteran advocate.
JOSEPH H. WELLS
Franklin County United States Army World War II
Mr. Wells became a USO volunteer and was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 1991 and again in 2006. Mr. Wells served on the Columbus Metro Federal Credit Union where he was elected Vice-Chairman. He has been an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and at 87 years young, he out-performs members half his age.
ROBERT A. WOODS
Butler County United States Army Vietnam War
Mr. Woods is the State Commander of Ohio's Patriot Guard Riders. The Patriot Guard Riders honor those who have fallen, and attend homecoming events for service members returning from deployment. Bob is fueled by his sense of duty to make sure that all veterans, service members, and their families received the honor and dignity they deserve.
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