COLUMBUS, Ohio (11/05/15) — Three former members of the Ohio Army National Guard were inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame during a ceremony Nov. 5 at the Lincoln Theatre.
“Many veterans give back to their community and never expect to be recognized; we want to not only recognize them but also inspire others to give back,” said Karen Kish, of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services and the event’s coordinator.
Phillip R. Gregg, of Newark, Johnnie D. Hatfield, of Canal Fulton, and Nathan D. Shaffer, of Spencerville, were inducted along with 17 other veterans at the annual event that honors the state’s veterans for their contributions to their local communities in addition to their service to their country.
“During my time in the Guard, I enjoyed being able to be military and civilian and I enjoyed doing both,” Hatfield said.
Hatfield, 74, a veteran of the U.S. Army and the Ohio Army National Guard, later served as a city councilman and later as council president in his hometown of Canal Fulton. He saved the city over $500,000 when he solved significant water and sewer problems facing his community.
Both Gregg and Shaffer have also made immense contributions to their local communities.
Gregg, 77, has been an active member of the Utica High School Athletic Booster Club, has coached children’s sports teams, and currently serves as the president of the Licking County Veterans Alliance, performing more than 2,360 military funeral honors ceremonies for fallen service members.
Shaffer, 67, a Vietnam War veteran, has volunteered his time delivering gift bags to veterans at the Dayton Veterans Affairs Hospital and several nursing homes, and was instrumental in building the Spencerville Area Veterans Memorial Park.
“Being in the military has definitely made me a better person,” Shaffer said.
This year’s 20 inductees make a total of 478 members of the Hall, which includes Ohio presidents, astronauts, elected officials, teachers, members of law enforcement and scores of community volunteers, businessmen, activists and coaches. Many members are well-known veterans — such as John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, Woody Hayes and Dave Thomas.
While the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame honors those with military service, it is not a military hall of fame, Kish said.
“Those selected for the honor of induction are veterans who have not only served their country through military service, but who have continued to serve and inspire their community with their deeds and accomplishments throughout their lifetime,” she added. |
