Ohio Department of Veterans Services announces 2020 Hall of Fame class

Twenty inductees will be honored for their accomplishments and achievements at the 29th annual Induction Ceremony in November. Candidates represent 16 Ohio counties and four military branches. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine unveiled the class at his press briefing yesterday, where he praised their accomplishments.

The 2020 Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Inductees include:

• Paul G. Butler, Navy, Clinton County;
• David W. Chilson*, Navy, Wood County;
• Richard D. Ellsworth, Army, Licking County;
• Timothy A. Espich, Army/OANG, Clark County;
• Kimberly D. Frisco, Air Force, Greene County;
• William C. Graybill, Army, Brown County;
• Glenn H. Grismere, Army, Warren County;
• Kenneth P. Jakubec, Marine Corps, Mahoning County;
• Thomas J. Jenks, Army, Cuyahoga County;
• James D. Kaster, Army, Cuyahoga County;
• Daniel R. Kirkpatrick, Air Force, Greene County;
• Babe Kwasniak, Army, Cuyahoga County;
• David C. Lange, Navy, Carroll County;
• Jane M. Lengel, Army/OANG, Franklin County;
• David G. Meyer, PhD, PE, Air Force, Montgomery County;
• Carolyn E. Nagy, Army, Lucas County;
• Connie Pillich, Air Force, Hamilton County;
• David M. Ridenour, Army, Wood County;
• James P. Schear, Navy, Stark County;
• Alan R. Wallace, Navy, Fairfield County.

* posthumous award

In lieu of a traditional Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, ODVS representatives and members of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Executive Committee will make arrangements with honorees and their families to present their medals and certificates in person – and in a safe environment. The department will also produce a virtual induction “program” that will debut on Nov. 5. Visit OhioVets.gov… in the coming weeks for more information.

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The class of 2020 was chosen from among 136 nominations. This year’s class joins 895 Ohio veterans who have been inducted since 1992 and represent 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 of the Hall of Fame’s Class of 1992 included the six Ohio veterans who were elected President of the United States as well as Medal of Honor recipients from Ohio. Honorees of the past 28 years include astronauts, community volunteers, community leaders, safety officers, veteran advocates, and government officials.

The members of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame are honored in a permanent display near the Ohio Statehouse at the Riffe Center, 77 South High St., Columbus.

The Ohio Department of Veterans Services, 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.

Bios and photos of the 2020 Class will be available at OhioVets.gov… in October 2020.

For more information, call 614-644-0898, email, or visit the website.