Governor DeWine Welcomes 20 Inductees to Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame
 Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr. (U.S. Army, retired), director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, and Brig. Gen. Matthew S. Woodruff, Ohio Adjutant General, pictured with the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—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 we prepare to observe Veterans Day on Tuesday, we are honored to recognize the extraordinary individuals who make up the 2025 class of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame," said Governor DeWine. "Thank you to the inductees who returned home from service to our country and continued to serve through volunteerism and leadership, being advocates and mentors, sharing their experiences and knowledge, and offering encouragement to others. We are proud of them and of their accomplishments."
Hosted by the Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS), 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.
Members of the class of 2025, who range in age from 58 to 90, span 12 Ohio counties and four branches of the United States Armed Forces – the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. This year’s class joins 994 Ohio veterans who have been inducted since inception and represent all eras, branches, and walks of life.
"This ceremony is a celebration of the amazing accomplishments of those who continue to serve in impactful ways after putting away their military uniforms – and also serves as a reminder that veterans are among the very best of us, always ready to lead and enhance the lives of others," said Maj. Gen. (U.S. Army, retired) John C. Harris Jr., ODVS Director. "Quite frankly, this is one of the most enjoyable days of the year because we get to honor people of laudable service and high character, look them and their loved ones in the eyes, and, on behalf of the entire state of Ohio, offer our most sincere gratitude."
"Ohio veterans continue serving our communities by making positive contributions, building stronger futures, and inspiring future generations," said Brig. Gen. Matthew S. Woodruff, Ohio Adjutant General. "The 20 veterans inducted today, including four Ohio National Guard members, are continuing to make Ohio a better place."
The complete list of 2025 Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Inductees follows:
Larry R. W. Bostic Jr., Army, Stark County
Warren K. Brown, Air Force, Greene County
Kenneth J. David, Army, Trumbull County
Charles O. Dillard, Army/Air Force, Clermont County
Richard A. Doritty, Air Force, Delaware County
Patrick William Dugan, Marine Corps/Navy/Army, Warren County
Edward J. Elum, Navy, Stark County
Jerry Ferris, Marine Corps, Warren County
James G. Jackson*, Marine Corps, Franklin County
James "Jim" F. Kerr*, Army, Columbiana County
Mark Landes, Army, Madison County
Kermit F. Lowery, Air Force/Army, Warren County
Stephen E. Markovich, Air Force, Delaware County
Don G. McDaniel, Marine Corps, Fairfield County
Robert P. "Lance" Meyer Jr., Air Force, Fairfield County
Jay J. Shuer*, Army, Lucas County
Steve Stivers, Army, Franklin County
Scott A. Sullivan, Air Force, Warren County
Teresa M. Swank, Army, Franklin County
Everett M. Woodel Jr., Army, Sandusky County
* = Posthumous Award
Bios for all 20 class members and additional information on the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame, including past inductees, can be found at OhioVets.gov.
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.
Additional Media Contact:
Ohio Department of Veterans Services
Jeff Rapp, Chief Communications Officer
614-728-0235 (office); 614-357-7305 (mobile)
[email protected]
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