ODVS announces Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2026
The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2025 poses during the 2025 induction ceremony.
COLUMBUS – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS) Director John C. Harris Jr. are proud to announce the members of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Twenty outstanding inductees will be honored for their post-military accomplishments and achievements at the 35th annual Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in November. This class represents 14 Ohio counties and four branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Included in the class is U.S. Army veteran Ronald S. Clark of Highland County.
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 advanced technology, law practice and enforcement, public service, teaching and mentoring, veteran advocacy, architectural design, volunteerism, philanthropy, and much more.
"Congratulations to each honoree who has served our country honorably and has continued their commitment to service, leadership, and community,” said Governor DeWine. "Their dedication to improving the lives of others continues to strengthen Ohio and inspire us all. We thank them for their contributions and lifetime of service to others."
This year’s Induction Ceremony is set for Nov. 12, 2026, at 10 a.m., at the Ohio Union (1739 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio 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 19 living honorees.
"It was an honor to notify each member of this year's class of their selection," Director Harris said. "Their consistent humility and dedication reflect the highest standards of service. I look forward to formally recognizing their achievements at the ceremony in November."
The 2026 Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Inductees are:
David A. Babcock Air Force Clark County
Christi S. Bartman Air Force Delaware
Janette C. Brown Air Force Mahoning County
Ronald S. Clark Army Highland County
Robert H. Doyle Navy Greene County
Jeffrey R. Earley Army Franklin County
Joseph W. Keifer Army Clark County
Jacquelyn Kemp Army Franklin County
Justin D. LeHew Marine Corps Putnam
Robert P. Madison Army Cuyahoga
Paul M. Moyer Air Force Greene
Jamie L. Paxton Air Force Lucas
Clifford E. Pinkney Army Delaware
Gary T. Rezabek Army Medina
Gregory A. Roseberry Air Force Jackson
William T. Spradlin Air Force Greene
Mark E. Storer Army Franklin
John W. Tepper Army Ross County
Timothy E. Waechter Army Clermont
De Ann M. Williams Army/Navy Wayne.
Follow along at OhioVets.gov for more information about the class members and their upcoming induction.
The Class of 2026 joins 1,014 Ohio veterans who have been inducted and represents all eras, branches of service, and walks of life.
The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame was established in 1992 by former Gov. George Voinovich to recognize the post-military achievements of outstanding Ohio veterans. Charter members include the six Ohio veterans who were elected President of the United States as well as Medal of Honor recipients from Ohio. Honorees include astronauts, entrepreneurs, community leaders, safety officers, veteran advocates, and government officials.
The members of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame are honored in a permanent display at the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts, 77 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215.
ODVS, on behalf of and in collaboration with the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Executive Committee, administers the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. Comprised of 13 veteran volunteers, the Executive Committee members serve as advisors to the Hall of Fame and their primary purpose is to select up to 20 honorees annually.
For more information, call (614) 644-0898, email HallOfFame@dvs.ohio.gov, or visit the Hall of Fame section of OhioVets.gov.