From the Ohio Department of Veterans Services

Twenty outstanding inductees will be honored for their post-military accomplishments and achievements at the 34th annual Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in November. This stellar class represents 12 Ohio counties and four branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Living members of the class range in age from 58 to 90 and there are three posthumous inductees.

Each class member meets the high standards of the Hall of Fame, which honors outstanding service and accomplishment following honorable service in the military. This amazing group has demonstrated a wide reach and has improved the lives of others through the avenues of healthcare, law practice and enforcement, conservation, public service, teaching and mentoring, veteran advocacy, filmmaking, volunteerism, philanthropy, and much more.

“Congratulations to all of the honorees who served our country in the armed forces and then continued to show their commitment to service beyond the military and throughout their lives,” said Governor DeWine. “We’re very proud of this class and thank them for all they have done to improve the lives of others.”

This year’s Induction Ceremony is set for Nov. 6, 2025, at 10 a.m., at the Fawcett Center (2400 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43210) on the campus of The Ohio State University. The public is welcome to attend.

Director Harris recently had the privilege of personally congratulating all 17 living honorees and a family member of posthumous inductees James G. Jackson, James “Jim” F. Kerr, and Jay J. Shuer.

“What an honor it was for me to inform all of our class members of their selection,” Director Harris said. “I was struck by the humility all of these people of accomplishment showed when I gave them the news. It’s clear they all do this out of devotion to others and not for recognition, yet they are so deserving.”

The 2025 Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Inductees are:

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

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, Franklin County

*Posthumous Award

The Class of 2025 joins 994 Ohio veterans who have been inducted and represents all eras, branches of service, and walks of life.