Three former Ohio National Guard members among 2019 Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame honorees

Story by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Reynolds, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

DUBLIN, Ohio (11/18/19)

The Ohio Department of Veteran Services welcomed the 2019 class into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame during a Nov. 7 ceremony at Radiant Life Church. The induction ceremony honored 20 Ohio veterans, including three former Ohio National Guard members, for their continued service the country, state and their local communities.

With an audience that included family, friends and fellow veterans, the honorees were center stage with Gov. Mike DeWine and retired Maj. Gen. Deborah Ashenhurst, director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services.

“The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame is all about identifying those who served their country honorably,” Ashenhurst said, “and then have gone on to make an enormously positive difference to our state and their communities.”

The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fames recognizes veterans who have chosen to lead from the front, and commit their lives to serving others, honoring Ohioans from all branches of service who have continued to serve in a civilian capacity after they have taken off the uniform.

This year’s honorees include three former members of the Ohio National Guard: Army National Guard veteran Richard Baldwin and Air National Guard veterans Howard “Bud” May and James Moorman.

During his time in the Ohio National Guard, Baldwin served his community as a Youngstown, Ohio police officer for 33 years and worked for the U.S. Marshals Service. Baldwin was recently inducted into the American Police Hall of Fame after receiving the Distinguished Police Service Award, Purple Heart and Silver Star for Bravery.

“During your military career, learn all that you can and take it to heart,” Baldwin advised. “Always try to better yourself because whatever field you are in the military, you may continue in your civilian life.”

May currently serves as both president and commissioner for the Green County Veterans Services Commission, where he has helped establish the annual resource fair for veterans and the implementation of a veterans court, which helps newly released incarcerated veterans with employment and transition. May is a member of the Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, American Legion and Miami Military Affairs Association.

After his service in the Ohio National Guard, Moorman joined the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and served for 28 years. He also has dedicated five years and 600 hours to the Dayton VA Hospice’s “No Veterans Dies Alone Team.” Moorman was instrumental in helping Logan County establish the Vets to DC Program, a three-day bus trip for World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans and their caregivers to see their military memorials in the nation’s capital.

These three former Ohio National Guard members raise the bar for current Ohio service members with their dedication, service and resilience, serving as motivation for generations to come.

Information on the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame and how to nominate a veteran.