Among the 20 people inducted into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame earlier this month were three veterans from Washington County and one from Noble County. That much representation from the Mid-Ohio Valley is no surprise, as our region is known for those ready and willing to serve their country.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Meredith L. Barnett, born in Marietta; U.S. Army Technical Sgt. Harley E. Thomas, born in Lower Salem; U.S. Army Sgt. John T. Bineger, born in New Matamoras, and U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Sgt George Mizik, born in Belle Valley, were honored with the Ohio Medal of Valor. Barnett, Thomas and Mizik were inducted and honored posthumously; and Binegar was unable to attend the event in Columbus.

“They represent their proud communities throughout Ohio,” said Gov. Mike DeWine, during the ceremony. “To their families and their home communities, we salute you for raising such honorable men.

“These inductees have faced overwhelming odds, confronted hostile forces, dodged enemy fire, remained calm in the face of danger and protected their brothers and sisters in arms. We salute all of them for their service which went above and beyond the call of duty and for that service we are all forever grateful. The men and women in our armed services risk everything for our freedom.”

We join DeWine in doing our best to express our gratitude to the veterans and their families who took that risk. Mid-Ohio Valley residents are proud of those who served with such distinction that they have been honored by the state. But, then, again, we would have been proud of this bunch, anyway.