Wilkin, Wenstrup officially inducted into Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame

Two local residents, including Highland County native Gerold “Buzzard” Wilkin and outgoing U.S. Second District Representative Brad Wenstrup, were inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Thursday, Nov. 7.

According to a press release from Governor Mike DeWine’s office, 20 Ohioans “were honored during an induction ceremony Thursday in recognition of their outstanding post-military accomplishments.”

Wilkin’s official biography says, “Gerold Wilkin has dedicated his life to community and veteran service. After graduating from Hillsboro High School in 1962, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965. As a Combat Engineer with the First Infantry Division in Vietnam and later at Fort Knox, his military experience ignited his advocacy for veterans.

“Returning to civilian life, Wilkin worked for 31 years at the Piketon Atomic Enrichment Plant and served as a lobbyist in Washington D.C. for over 20 years. He co-founded Cold War Patriots, focusing on atomic workers' health and safety. His initiatives, including the ‘One of Our Own’ and ‘Adopt-A-Family’ programs, have supported families both locally and internationally through the Department of Defense and Department of Energy.

“Wilkin’s extensive volunteer work includes serving on numerous boards and contributing over 3,500 hours at the Ohio Veterans Home and Chillicothe VA Medical Center. He is also a member of the Highland County Veterans Honor Guard, participating in military funerals and community service. He has organized youth golf clinics and wrestling programs, supported Hills and Dales County School for special needs children and received accolades such as the Presidents' Volunteer Service Award from President Obama.

“Recently, he was inducted into the Elks Hall of Fame and the Tri-County Red Cross Hall of Fame. Currently, Wilkin leads the Highland County Revolutionary War Memorial 250th-year project, honoring over 230 local patriots. At age 79, his lifetime of service is celebrated with his induction into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.”

Rep. Wenstrup was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Hamilton County representative, although he also maintains residency in Highland County. His biography states: “Brad Wenstrup was elected in 2012 to represent the people of Ohio's Second Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. He brings experience as a doctor, Army Reserve officer, Iraq War veteran and small business owner to help Congress tackle the economic and security challenges facing the nation.

“A Cincinnati native, Wenstrup completed his residency as a podiatric physician and surgeon and established private practice in Cincinnati, treating patients for 26 years. Wenstrup served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 25 years. He served a one-year tour of duty, 2005-2006, serving as Chief of Surgery for the 344th Combat Support Hospital in Abu Ghraib, Iraq. During his service, he was awarded a Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Soldier's Medal for heroism in 2018 and the Legion of Merit in 2022.

“While in Congress, Wenstrup’s service continued at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and as a Medical Policy Adviser to the Chief of the Army Reserve, retiring as a colonel in 2022. Since his election to the U.S. House of Representatives, Wenstrup has significantly influenced healthcare and veterans’ policies. He has championed healthcare reforms and national security. His leadership includes championing the VA MISSION Act and chairing the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic.

“Wenstrup’s dedication to public service is reflected in numerous accolades, including the Henry Jackson Foundation’s Hero of Military Medicine. His ongoing contributions to youth programs, healthcare, veterans’ affairs and community well-being make him a deserving inductee for the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame, which he enters at age 66.”

The full ceremony can be viewed at https://www.ohiochannel.org/video/ohio-veterans-hall-of-fame-induction-….

“As Governor, I am proud to welcome the Class of 2024 to the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame,” said Governor DeWine. “The 20 exceptional Ohio veterans we are celebrating today deserve our gratitude, not only for their service to our country in the Armed Forces, but for their enduring service to our communities and our state in their post-military lives. These individuals have dedicated their lives to helping others and are an inspiration to all of us every day.”

The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame honors individuals who served their country honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces and continue to serve their communities, state and nation with distinction after discharge.

Hosted by the Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS), this year’s event marked the 33rd annual Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and brought the total number of inductees to 994.

Members of the Class of 2024 hail from 14 counties all across Ohio and represent four branches of the United States Armed Forces – the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force. This year’s class has improved the lives of others through the avenues of healthcare, aerospace engineering, rehabilitation, public service, veteran advocacy, motivational speaking, volunteerism, philanthropy and much more.

“It is a pleasure to induct another 20 incredible honorees into our Hall of Fame and to share their stories of service,” said ODVS Director Maj. Gen. (U.S. Army, retired) Deborah Ashenhurst. “The impact these former military members have made and continue to make on their communities and beyond is inspirational and worthy of recognition. Congratulations to the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame class of 2024.”

“Across Ohio, veterans continue to serve our communities by making positive contributions, building stronger futures, and inspiring future generations,” said Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio Adjutant General. “The 20 veterans inducted today are continuing to make Ohio a better place.”

The complete list of 2024 Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Inductees follows:

Kent Anderson, Army, Greene County Marshall P. Bahr, Army, Columbiana County Guion S. Bluford Jr., Air Force, Cuyahoga County Kenneth L. Bonnell, Army, Union County Michael W. Carrell, Air Force, Fairfield County Joseph Gary Fenderbosch, Army, Gallia County Jason M. Graven, Army, Wood County Billy M. Harris*, Marine Corps, Ashland County Edward P. Horvath Jr., Army & Navy, Cuyahoga County Richard D. Johnson, Air Force, Union County A. Steve Klosowski, Army, Lake County Mark E. Landers, Army, Montgomery County David L. Levacy, Army, Fairfield County Franklin D. LeValley, Air Force, Clark County Anthony G. Massoud, Army, Montgomery County Robert A. McDonald, Army, Hamilton County J.P. Nauseef, Air Force, Montgomery County Brad R. Wenstrup, Army, Hamilton County JD Wetterling, Air Force, Warren County Gerold W. Wilkin, Army, Highland County
* = Posthumous Award.

About the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame: The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame was established in 1992 by former Gov. George Voinovich to recognize outstanding professional achievement, service to the community and selfless acts of veterans following their military service. Charter members of the Hall’s Class of 1992 included the six Ohio military veterans who were elected President of the United States and all Medal of Honor recipients from Ohio. Honorees include astronauts, volunteers, community leaders, safety officers, veteran advocates and former government officials.

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