Veterans Hall of Fame: Veterans Service Commission announces annual ceremony
(File Photo) Marine veteran Gunnery Sgt. Ronald Morris, front left, receives the Chad D. Wright Memorial Award-Washington County Veteran of the Year from the family of Wright as Washington County Veteran Service Commission Veteran Service Officer Larry Proctor, rear left, watches during the 2024 county Veterans Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
(File Photo) Derek Hadfield, third from left, receives his 2023 Washington County Hall of Fame medal from his father, Robert Hadfield, Hall of Fame Class of 2020, at the 2023 event.
(File Photo) Marine veteran Gunnery Sgt. Ronald Morris, front left, receives the Chad D. Wright Memorial Award-Washington County Veteran of the Year from the family of Wright as Washington County Veteran Service Commission Veteran Service Officer Larry Proctor, rear left, watches during the 2024 county Veterans Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
(File Photo) Derek Hadfield, third from left, receives his 2023 Washington County Hall of Fame medal from his father, Robert Hadfield, Hall of Fame Class of 2020, at the 2023 event.
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The accomplishments and contributions of area veterans in both their military service and civilian lives will be celebrated at the annual Washington County Veterans Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
"It's open to the public," said Darren Shearlock, executive director of the Washington County Veterans Service Commission, which organizes the event. "When I was a kid, you always looked up to heroes. Well here's a chance for somebody to come out and shake hands with a real-life one."
The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Tower Event and Conference Center, 400 Tennis Center Drive, Marietta. It starts with refreshments and a social hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by the ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
The program will feature music, fellowship and remarks from the keynote speaker, retired Maj. Gen. John C. Harris, director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services. He will speak on the importance of veterans to communities.
Admission is free and open to the public, and all veterans, families and citizens are encouraged to attend. Ten veterans will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, and community partners will be recognized.
This year's inductees are:
– Sgt. 1st Class Tyler D. Witham, Army, 1988 to 2008; American Legion Post 64.
– Sgt. Thomas E. Kukulka, Army, 1977-80; Army Reserve until 2000; American Legion Post 64.
– Master Sgt. Michael E. Dye, Air Force, 1980 to 2000; Belpre Area Veterans.
– Command Master Chief Eric T. Clark, Navy, 1985 to 2015; Belpre Area Veterans.
– Petty Officer 2nd Class James A. Dukas, Navy, 1944-46; past commander of Blennerhassett American Legion Post 495.
– Pfc. Larry A. Britton, Marine Corps, 1957-60; Marine Corps League Sgt. Bob O'Malley Detachment 1436.
– Spc. Gary A. Worstell, Army, 1957-59, volunteer driver with the Washington County Veterans Service Commission transportation program.
– Sgt. Ronald "Greg" Nohe, Army, 1982-86, Marietta Police Department.
– Cpl. Kraig A. Worstell, Marine Corps, 1984-88; certified EMT and paramedic; volunteer firefighter.
– 2nd Lt. Vernon L. Gatewood, Army Air Corps, 1942-45, prisoner of war.
According to a release from the commission, the purpose of the event is to instill patriotism within the community; to re-motivate and encourage fellow veterans to continue serving their community, state and nation; and to honor those who have distinguished themselves through devotion and excellence both in uniform and beyond.
More information about the event and programs to assist veterans is available by contacting the commission at 740-568-9009 or online at www.wcvsc.com.