Announcing The Ohio Veterans HOF 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 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:

[Inductee, Branch, County]
Larry R. W. Bostic Jr., Army, Stark
Warren K. Brown, Air Force, Greene
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, Sandusky

* 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, 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 [email protected], or visit the Hall of Fame website.