Two Area Counties Combine To Add Four People To Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame

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(Columbus) – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS) Director Deborah Ashenhurst have announced the members of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Among the new inductees are two men from Highland County and two from Fairfield County. (See list below)

Twenty outstanding inductees will be honored for their post-military accomplishments and achievements at the 33rd annual Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in November. This stellar class represents 14 Ohio counties and four branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Living members of the class range in age from 39 to 84 and there is one posthumous inductee.

Each class member meets the high standards of the Hall of Fame, which honors outstanding service and accomplishment following honorable service in the military. This amazing group has demonstrated a wide reach and has improved the lives of others through the avenues of healthcare, aerospace engineering, rehabilitation, public service, veteran advocacy, motivational speaking, volunteerism, philanthropy, and much more.

This year’s Induction Ceremony is set for Nov. 7, 2024, at 10 a.m., at the Fawcett Center (2400 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43210) on the campus of The Ohio State University. The public is welcome to attend.

Gov. Mike DeWine congratulates Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Honoree Purcell Taylor Jr. (L), 2023 Honoree Michael Close and wife pose by the class plaque (R)

Director Ashenhurst recently had the privilege of personally congratulating all 19 living honorees and a family member of posthumous inductee Marine Corps veteran Billy M. Harris.

“Congratulations to the 20 remarkable veterans who will be inducted into the 2024 Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame,” Director Ashenhurst said. “Your dedication to not only serving our nation, but your continued commitment to making a difference in your communities exemplify the highest ideals of civilian service. On behalf of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services and the great citizens of the State of Ohio, we are proud to celebrate your achievements and honor your extraordinary contributions. Your legacy of leadership and service continues to inspire us all.”

The 2024 Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Inductees are:

Stay tuned to OhioVets.gov in the coming weeks for more information about the class members and their upcoming induction.

Reporters requesting more information with regard to the Hall of Fame should contact the members of our communications team listed below.

The Class of 2024 joins 974 Ohio veterans who have been inducted and represents all eras, branches of service, and walks of life.

The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony, held at the Fawcett Center

The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame was established in 1992 by former Gov. George Voinovich to recognize the post-military achievements of outstanding Ohio veterans. Charter members include the six Ohio veterans who were elected President of the United States as well as Medal of Honor recipients from Ohio. Honorees include astronauts, entrepreneurs, community leaders, safety officers, veteran advocates, and government officials.

The members of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame are honored in a permanent display at the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts, 77 S. High St., Columbus, Ohio.

ODVS, on behalf of and in collaboration with the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Executive Committee, administers the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. Comprised of 13 veteran volunteers, the Executive Committee members serve as advisors to the Hall of Fame and their primary purpose is to select up to 20 honorees annually.