Photo: Governor Mike DeWine
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Governor Mike DeWine today welcomed 20 Ohioans as the newest members of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. These individuals were honored during an induction ceremony Thursday in recognition of their outstanding post-military accomplishments.
“As Governor, I am proud to welcome the Class of 2024 to the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame,” said Governor DeWine. “The 20 exceptional Ohio veterans we are celebrating today deserve our gratitude, not only for their service to our country in the Armed Forces, but for their enduring service to our communities and our state in their post-military lives. These individuals have dedicated their lives to helping others and are an inspiration to all of us every day.”
The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame honors individuals who served their country honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces and continue to serve their communities, state, and nation with distinction after discharge.
Hosted by the Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS), this year’s event marked the 33rd annual Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and brought the total number of inductees to 994.
Members of the Class of 2024 hail from 14 counties all across Ohio and represent four branches of the United States Armed Forces – the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force. This year’s class 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.
“It is a pleasure to induct another 20 incredible honorees into our Hall of Fame and to share their stories of service,” said ODVS Director Maj. Gen. (U.S. Army, retired) Deborah Ashenhurst. “The impact these former military members have made and continue to make on their communities and beyond is inspirational and worthy of recognition. Congratulations to the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame class of 2024.”
“Across Ohio, veterans continue to serve our communities by making positive contributions, building stronger futures, and inspiring future generations,” said Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio Adjutant General. “The 20 veterans inducted today are continuing to make Ohio a better place.”
The complete list of 2024 Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Inductees follows:
Kent Anderson, Army, Greene County
Marshall P. Bahr, Army, Columbiana County
Guion S. Bluford Jr., Air Force, Cuyahoga County
Kenneth L. Bonnell, Army, Union County
Michael W. Carrell, Air Force, Fairfield County
Joseph Gary Fenderbosch, Army, Gallia County
Jason M. Graven, Army, Wood County
Billy M. Harris*, Marine Corps, Ashland County
Edward P. Horvath Jr., Army & Navy, Cuyahoga County
Richard D. Johnson, Air Force, Union County
A. Steve Klosowski, Army, Lake County
Mark E. Landers, Army, Montgomery County
David L. Levacy, Army, Fairfield County
Franklin D. LeValley, Air Force, Clark County
Anthony G. Massoud, Army, Montgomery County
Robert A. McDonald, Army, Hamilton County
J.P. Nauseef, Air Force, Montgomery County
Brad R. Wenstrup, Army, Hamilton County
JD Wetterling, Air Force, Warren County
Gerold W. Wilkin, Army, Highland County
* = Posthumous Award
About the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame:
The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame was established in 1992 by former Gov. George Voinovich to recognize outstanding professional achievement, service to the community and selfless acts of veterans following their military service. Charter members of the Hall’s Class of 1992 included the six Ohio military veterans who were elected President of the United States and all Medal of Honor recipients from Ohio. Honorees include astronauts, volunteers, community leaders, safety officers, veteran advocates, and former government officials.