Department of Veterans Services Class of 2006

On Thursday November 2, 2006 at the Franklin County Veterans Memorial in Columbus, Ohio, Governor Bob Taft and Timothy A. Espich, Director of the Governor's Office of Veteran's Affairs, inducted 20 members of the Class of 2006 into the Hall of Fame. A bronze plaque is dedicated to every class memorializing those veterans inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. These plaques, representing each of the classes inducted, are on displayed at the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Museum located in the I.F. Mack Building on the grounds of the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky. The bronze plaque for this year's Class of 2006 is displayed in The Statehouse at the 3rd Street entrance. John H. Agenbroad Springboro Warren County Vietnam United States Marine Corps Currently serves as the Mayor of Springboro, Ohio v Recently named Patriot of the Year by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Department of Ohio v Past State Commander and current State Finance Officer for the Military Order of the Purple Heart v Holds current membership of multiple veteran and civic organizations v Serves on numerous boards and committees v Volunteers for the greater Dayton and Cincinnati AFL/CIO Food Pantry v Noted speaker relating to military history and patriotism v Avid volunteer fundraiser for multiple local and statewide organizations v Educates Boy Scouts of America on city government   Mordecai Bartley (deceased) Mansfield Richland County War of 1812 United States Army A successful farmer and owner of a mercantile business v Elected to the Ohio Senate in 1816 and served one term v After first being elected in 1822, served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives v He was elected the eighteenth Governor of Ohio in 1844 and served one term v Active in the anti-slavery movement of the time v After 1846 practiced law in Mansfield v His desire to serve the welfare of the people was always greater than his own wishes and opinions Dominic V. Belloni (deceased) Brewster Stark County World War II United States Army Owned and operated Belloni’s Foods in Brewster and Zanesville v Life long dedication and commitment to the American Legion served as Commander also serving on state and national committees v Lovingly devoted over twenty-five years as a counselor of Buckeye Boys State v A member of the Village of Brewster’s Zoning Board of Appeals and the Village Planning Commission for thirty-five years v Honorary life membership in Anavicus v Member of the Board of Trustees with the National Community Health Foundation of Stark County v Received the Liberty Bell Award from Stark County Bar Association v Was an active member of his church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans   William C. Boehm Olmsted Township Cuyahoga County World War II United States Army Founding Director of the Singing Angels, a non-profit performing arts choral/drama group made up of multicultural-multiethnic children from all areas of Cleveland, a self-sustaining organization that has achieved national and international acclaim performing around the world, including travel across four continents and thirty-one countries v His musical vocation has served to enrich the lives of countless children for 42 years and has inspired many to pursue professions framed by music and song v In 1977 he was awarded the prestigious Ohio State Governor’s Award for “excellence of achievement benefiting mankind and improving the quality of life” v He was named the 2005 recipient of the Herrick Memorial Award, sponsored by the Early Settlers Association of the Western Reserve as the person who had done the most to promote Cleveland v Other prestigious accolades are from President George W. Bush, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Joint Veterans’ Commission of Cuyahoga County   Erle H. Bridgewater, Jr. (deceased) Athens Athens County World War II United States Army Ohio Army National Guard Highly decorated veteran of World War II and served with the Ohio Army National Guard retiring with the rank of Brigadier General v Recognized in Athens for his compassion and interest in many local activities including veterans’ affairs and many charitable fund-raising efforts v He spent a lifetime mentoring others while demonstrating devotion and dedication to his family, community, and nation v An outspoken advocate of the blessings of citizens of a free nation v Practiced law in Athens for thirty-two years v Served as President of the United Appeal three times and served one year as President of the Ohio Bar Association v Active in his church and served as Deacon v He was recently inducted into the Ohio University Army ROTC Hall of Fame for his work with the cadets   George H. Cox Spencerville Allen County Korean War United States Marine Corps Founded the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post Underprivileged Children’s Christmas Party in 1980 and since the founding has cared for more than 3,700 children in the community v Instrumental in implementing the Post Chicken & Fish Fry night where proceeds totaling over $215,000 have been raised for the community youth programs v As Herbie the Clown, he has entertained at a multitude of hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and Christmas parties v A Life Member of multiple veterans organizations v Has held many local, state, and national offices within the Veterans of Foreign Wars where he was elected as the State Commander v Now is serving as the Vice President of the Allen County Veterans Service Commission   James W. Denver (deceased) Wilmington Clinton County Mexican War Civil War At the age of thirty he recruited an infantry company and went off to the war in Mexico where he served under Winfield Scott v Served as the first President of the Irwin Auger Bit Company in Wilmington, Ohio v In 1857 President James Buchanan appointed him as Secretary of the Kansas Territory and was appointed as the Governor of that territory later that same year v Served as a California State Senator, U.S. Congressman, and U.S. Commissioner of Indian Affairs v At the start of the Civil War he was appointed Brigadier General of volunteers and placed in command of all Federal troops in Kansas by President Abraham Lincoln   Richard H. Finan Cincinnati Hamilton County Cold War United States Army Served as Mayor of Evendale before being elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1973 vElected to the Ohio Senate served as president of that body from 1996 until his retirement in 2002 v Serves as a member of the University of Dayton Board of Trustees v Honorary Chairman of the U.S. Holocaust Museum and Chairman of the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board v A member of multiple organizations and committees, including the Cincinnati Bar Association v Currently serves on the board of directors of St. Joseph Home; Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Foundation, Capitol Square Foundation, National Conference of State Legislatures Foundation, First Franklin Corp, UNIFI Corp, and Rest Haven Cemetery Association   Robert E. Grim Sabina Clinton County Vietnam United States Air Force   Retired from Miami Trace High School in 2001 after thirty-four years as a social studies teacher v A member of the American Legion for over twenty-three years v A member of the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard v Instrumental in helping restore several veterans memorials paying honor to those who have perished for our nation v Active in numerous civic and fraternal organizations and presents a variety of historical and patriotic programs to local churches and community organizations v Served as the District Deputy Grand Master of the Ohio 8th District; in Free and Accepted Masons he served as President of the Clinton County Knights of the York Cross of Honour Club v Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite he was elected Knight of the Royal Order of Scotland v Has served as a member of the United States Selective Service Board No. 15 since being appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1990   James E. Hoeh Cincinnati Hamilton County Korean War Vietnam United States Army A member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Korean War Associations v As a member of the 187th Airborne Regiment he was elected President of the Buckeye Chapter for sixteen years and is now the National President v Member of the Board of Directors for the Joseph House – a shelter for veterans in need of help to rejoin society as useful, productive citizens v Founded the Jeffery G. Hoeh Memorial Fund in memory of his son lost to cancer, to date this fund has distributed $461,000 to 122 individuals or families who suffer from cancer or other catastrophic illness v Noted speaker at numerous veteran functions   Arthur G. James, M.D. (deceased) Columbus Franklin County World War II United States Army Nationally recognized surgeon for research and treatment of oncology patients v His successful treatment of cancer patients brought patients from around the state and beyond for treatment v His untiring devotion to his patients convinced the civic leaders that a hospital dedicated only to the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of cancer patients was needed in central Ohio v On the day of dedication the President of the Ohio State University announced that the building would be named, the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in honor of Dr. James’ vision and dedicated work v Served in a variety of professional and medical assignments v He was extremely active on both the state and national levels with the American Cancer Society and served as the National President from 1972 through 1973 v Received numerous awards for his medical and civic contributions   Joseph W. Johnston Williamsburg Clermont County Vietnam Persian Gulf United States Army Distinguished veteran who serves his community in a number of ways, 35 years with the Boy Scouts of America, a voluntary fireman and EMT, Jaycees, American Diabetes Association, Clermont County Alcohol Drug Abuse and Mental Health Board, and is the current Chief Operations Officer for the Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services v Active in a number of veteran organizations including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and 101st Airborne Association, and currently the 1st Junior Vice Commander of the Disabled American Veterans for the State of Ohio v Currently serves as a District Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio; a Past Master of Hamer Lodge in Owensville; active in York Rite, Scottish Rite, Eastern Star and a Shriner v Very active in the Owensville United Methodist Church   Robert E. Kreimes Sandusky Erie County World War II United States Navy For over fifty years he operates his own construction business v Extremely active in civic and veterans activities v A volunteer member of the Ohio Veteran’s Home Advisory Board and a volunteer with the Ohio Veteran’s Home Alzheimer Unit v Member of the Sandusky Veteran’s Park Commission v Instrumental in the establishment of the World War II Veteran’s memorial located in Sandusky’s Veterans Park v Established a summer baseball program for area high schools v Coordinated fund-raising efforts to build a school for children with a variety of physical handicaps v Active members of many civic and veterans organizations to include AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Eagles, and the Sandusky B.P.O. Elk’s Lodge # 285 where he was inducted into the Elk Hall of Fame in 2005   Christo Lassiter Cincinnati Hamilton County Gulf War United States Marine Corps Noted Professor of Law at the University of Cincinnati v Two-time recipient of the Goldman Award for Excellence in Teaching v A member of the American Bar Association’s Committee for Legal Assistance for Military Personnel v Adjunct faculty member of the Defense Institute for International Legal Studies, a joint Department of Defense/Department of State Command, where he has taught ethics and corruption, and counter-terrorism in Argentina, Mali, and Malawi v Legal Counsel for the Ohio Taekwondo Association and the United States Taekwondo Union Board of Governors v Very active in multiple civic organizations v Past President of the Parents Association, current board member at Walnut Hills High School, a Junior High Girls Volleyball coach, and Assistant Cub Scout Packmaster, Pack 124 at the Seven Hills School   Harold J. Leone Massillon Stark County Korean War United States Air Force Ohio Army National Guard Over forty years of distinguished military service v Instrumental in the establishment of the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio v Recognized for his work in the establishment of the Veterans Plaza at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus v Active member of the local AARP chapter where he served in several leadership positions v Serves as District Coordinator for AARP Tax-Aide providing free tax assistance to the citizens of Stark County for low to medium incomes v A vital member of the Medal of Honor Steering Committee helping to raise funds for the dedication of the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial in 2005 v Received the Humanitarian Award from the Knights of Columbus in Massillon, Ohio v Chairman of the “Veterans Hospital” Program providing personal items to the veterans at the Brecksville, Ohio Veterans’ Hospital   Robert R. McMeens, M.D. (deceased) Sandusky Erie County Mexican War Civil War Practiced medicine in Tiffin, Ohio v Served in the Mexican War as a surgeon v Returned to Sandusky where he continued his medical practice and co-founded the Erie Medical Society v Appointed Medical Director of the 10th Division during the Civil War, as noted by a War Correspondent of the Cleveland Leader speaking of the death of Dr. McMeens: Surgeon McMeens, of Sandusky, has gone to his last account, a victim to his humanity, worked to death in caring for the wounded   Kenneth P. Milenovic Seven Hills Cuyahoga County Vietnam Era United States Army Elected National Commander and State Commander of the Polish Legion of American Veterans v Active in multiple civic and veteran organizations such as Boy Scouts, Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio, Vietnam Veterans of America, American Legion, 4th Infantry (Ivy) Division Association v Board of Directors for the USO v Volunteer at the Cleveland and Brecksville VA Medical Centers v Served as President of Joint Veterans Commission of Cuyahoga County v Served as President and Treasurer of the Memorial Day Association of Greater Cleveland v Volunteer work to preserve a WWI Memorial at Rockefeller Park, Cleveland, Ohio   Robert E. Netzley Laura Miami County World War II United States Navy Has the distinction of being the longest serving member of the Ohio House of Representatives earn him the title “Dean of the House” v Active member of multiple veteran and civic organizations such as Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Jaycees, Lions Club, and Farm Bureau v A 2006 Inductee into the Ohio Department of Aging’s “Senior Citizen Hall of Fame” v Reappointed by Governor Taft to the Ohio Advisory Council for the Aging for a term ending November, 2006 v Dedicated his life to being a proactive leader who brought positive changes on behalf of those he served Edwin M. Robins Cleveland Cuyahoga County World War II United States Army A successful career with National ChemSearch rising to position of management v An extremely active member in the Jewish War Veterans, where he serves as the Commander of Cuyahoga County Council of the Jewish War Veterans, and served two times as State Department Commander v Served as president three times for the Memorial Day Association of Cuyahoga County, and three times as President Joint Veterans Commission Cuyahoga County v Served seven years as the Veterans Representative on the Institutional Review Board, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Louis Stokes Medical Center, in Cleveland, Ohio where he has also donated over 7,000 hours of volunteer work, and seventeen years as a National Service Officer v Served as safety committee for R.E.A.C.H. Inc, which served the rehabilitation needs of individuals of Cuyahoga and Lake Counties     Josephine D. Trotter Akron Summit County World War II United States Navy An elementary school teacher for more than twenty-eight years in the Summit County School System v Co-established and organized the first Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) National in Ohio; attained the position of Past President v Instrumental in the opening of the Akron Community Based Outpatient Clinic where she remains involved with assisting needy veterans v Known by the area’s veteran population in her community for her extended outreach, as shown by her involvement in the first Women Veterans Health Fair v Very active in the Akron Stand Down for homeless and displaced veterans of Summit County