ODVS proudly presents the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2025

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 2025 (see below).

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 Road, Columbus) 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     
     Charles O. Dillard, Army/Air Force, Clermont     
     Richard A. Doritty, Air Force, Delaware     
     Patrick William Dugan, Marine Corps/Navy/Army, Warren     
     Edward J. Elum, Navy, Stark     
     Jerry Ferris, Marine Corps, Warren     
     James G. Jackson *, Marine Corps, Franklin     
     James "Jim" F. Kerr *, Army, Columbiana     
     Mark Landes, Army, Madison     
     Kermit F. Lowery, Air Force/Army, Warren     
     Stephen E. Markovich, Air Force, Delaware     
     Don G. McDaniel, Marine Corps, Fairfield     
     Robert P. "Lance" Meyer Jr., Air Force, Fairfield     
     Jay J. Shuer *, Army, Lucas     
     Steve Stivers, Army, Franklin     
     Scott A. Sullivan, Air Force, Warren     
     Teresa M. Swank, Army, Franklin     
     Everett M. Woodel Jr., Army Franklin     
                     
 * Posthumous Award               
 
Stay tuned to OhioVets.gov in the coming weeks for more information about the class members and their upcoming induction.

The Class of 2025 joins 994 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 .

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 website.