The Veterans Hall of Fame and what we must not forget
It has become too easy to disrespect, disregard, and dismiss our Veterans. A 2021 census report indicated that 7 percent of our adult population are Veterans, from World War II through the Global War on Terrorism. We can ill afford to ignore the accomplishments of Veterans who have continued to serve their communities with honor and valor through volunteerism, advocacy, professional distinction, humanitarian service and philanthropy.
This is why 26 inductees were honored at the April 30 Greene County Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Inductees included:
Lieutenant General (RET, USAF) Dick Reynolds, who has amassed a record of valiant service, now as Chairman of the Dayton Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Fisher House fundraising committee, among other examples of dedicated charitable work for thousands in need.
Major General Ed Mechenbier, recipient of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, two Distinguished Flying Crosses and the Silver Star, who also served for more than 44 years.
COL (RET) Cassie Barlow, former Commander of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base who dedicates her life to virtually every Veterans initiative.
Chief Warrant Officer Jo Wildman, who became the first woman to advance to Chief as a Fire Control Technician, the first woman commissioned as Chief Warrant Officer in the Weapons Specialty, who served in both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard, and who has devoted every day to meeting the needs of women Veterans, as well as serving on the Ohio Women Veterans Advisory Committee, the Greater Cincinnati Women’s American Legion Post 644 and the Dayton National Cemetery Honor Squad, not to mention the Humane Society of Dayton and other endeavors.
Linda Strite Murnane, who, since her military retirement, was selected for a United Nations position in The Netherlands to support the international judiciary in pursuing war crimes against Yugoslavia and who continues to provide pro bono legal services to Veterans in her community.
The ceremony was magnificent in every sense of the word, thanks to the efforts of Tim Espitch, Executive Director of Greene County Veterans Services, Deborah Crawford of Greene County Veterans Services, and Tim Spradlin, VFW Commissioner for Greene County Veterans Services, in addition to many others who made this event possible. As a member of the inaugural class, I will remain eternally grateful for being selected as an honoree. What I have accomplished recedes into the background next to the elite of my home county for the last 35 years.
Please take a moment to read the biographies of the Greene County Veterans Hall of Fame honorees on the greenecountyohio.gov website and to pay homage to those who have given their lives for noble deeds far beyond what most will ever offer up, standing for something far greater than themselves. Thank you for allowing me to walk among these heroes and for the blessing of still having the feet to do it.