BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame is proud to announce the induction of six exceptional veterans into the Class of 2023. The induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 11, at 7:00 PM at Bucyrus High School, commemorating their outstanding service and contributions to the nation. The event will feature several distinguished speakers, performances by county high school bands, and a rifle salute.

Deborah Ashenhurst, Director of the Ohio Veterans Services, will be the guest speaker for the ceremony, which will honor the following veterans:

George Earl Lowmiller

George Lowmiller, a native of Crawford County, Ohio, was born on May 10, 1937. His early life on the family farm instilled in him a strong work ethic and sense of duty. He excelled in high school, participating in sports, plays, band, and serving as the editor of the school newspaper. After graduating from Whetstone High School in 1955, George pursued a degree in Agriculture with a focus on Ag Equipment Science at The Ohio State University.

Upon graduation in 1959, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, embarking on a 21-year career. His journey included diverse assignments and significant responsibilities, such as piloting various aircraft, air defense phone systems, cargo flights, and even personal piloting for high-ranking officials. George’s career was marked by numerous awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters and the Air Force Commendation Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster, among others.

After retiring as an Air Force Lt. Colonel in August 1980, George returned to the family farm and later pursued a successful career as a corporate pilot. He remained active in his church and his community, raising a loving family with his wife, Melanie. The Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame proudly inducts George Earl Lowmiller into the Class of 2023.

Ralph David Gies

Ralph David Gies, hailing from New Washington, Ohio, was born on September 16, 1942. Inspired by an early encounter with air refueling as a fifth-grader, he harbored a lifelong dream to become a Boom Operator. After high school, he enlisted in the Air Force, where he met his future wife, Linda Iler, while stationed in Indiana. Their family grew, with daughters Lisa and Tricia.

Dave’s Air Force career was distinguished by his service in various locations, including Japan, California, and England. Notably, during his tenure, he responded to the Korean Airline 007 incident over the Sea of Japan, and his awards included the Air Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal. After retiring in 1990, Dave and Linda returned to Bucyrus.

With 51 years of marriage and numerous grandchildren, Dave and Linda Gies are well-regarded community members. Dave’s active involvement in the American Legion, Council on Aging, and the Board of Elections has left a lasting impact. The Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame is honored to induct Ralph David Gies into the Class of 2023.

Trenton Cornell

Trenton Cornell, born on August 28, 1948, in Lancaster, Ohio, joined the Marine Corps in August 1967 after graduating from Bucyrus High School. He served in Vietnam, where he experienced the TET offensive and formed lifelong friendships with fellow Marines during intense combat.

Catherine LeRoy’s iconic photograph captured Trent’s valor as he helped save a fellow Marine, Bill Norvell, after mortar fire struck them during combat. His awards included the Expert Rifle Badge, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with a device, Vietnam Service with a star, and the Presidential Unit Citation.

After returning home, Trent married Oriana Trout, and together they raised a family. Trent contributed to the community through his service with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Bucyrus City Schools, and his role as a percussion advisor for local high school bands. Despite facing health challenges related to Agent Orange exposure, Trent continued to serve his community. Sadly, he passed away in April 2023.

The Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame posthumously inducts Trenton Cornell into the Class of 2023.

Mark Alan Leuthold

Major Mark A. Leuthold (Retired) was born in Bucyrus, Ohio, on December 1, 1956. He embarked on a distinguished career with the United States Air Force, attending the United States Air Force Academy after graduating from Wynford High School in 1975. His journey through pilot training, aircraft command, and leadership roles demonstrated his dedication to service and excellence.

Major Leuthold’s military career included flying HC-130 aircraft, contributing to vital research and development efforts, and earning a master’s degree in systems management from the Air Force Institute of Technology. His efforts during the C-17 aircraft program resulted in substantial cost reductions, potentially saving billions of dollars.

After retiring from the Air Force, he continued to make significant contributions to various organizations and businesses, including Advanced Fiber Technology. He and his wife, Dianna, raised four sons and enjoyed the blessings of ten grandchildren.

The Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame is honored to induct Major Mark Alan Leuthold into the Class of 2023.

Richard Allen Leuthold

Richard Allen Leuthold, a native of Crawford County, Ohio, was born on September 16, 1934. His early life on a farm and his involvement in FFA set the stage for his agricultural and entrepreneurial success. Richard’s achievements included serving as State President of FFA and becoming the founder of Airport Industrial Centers and the Fiber Chem Insulation Plant.

Throughout his career, he partnered with his family to develop businesses and license patented technology for cellulose insulation in multiple countries. Richard also served in the Ohio National Guard and made a lasting impact on the local community.

Richard was married to Joyce Turney Leuthold for 56 years and later married Karen Schifer. He leaves behind a loving family with two sons, Mark and Doug, and one daughter, Mary Ann Stormer, as well as seven grandchildren.

The Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame is honored to induct Richard Allen Leuthold into the Class of 2023.

The induction ceremony on November 11, 2023, promises to be a poignant and moving event, celebrating the dedication and selflessness of these remarkable veterans from Crawford County. The entire community is invited to attend and pay their respects to these deserving honorees.

Loren Edward Pry

Loren was born July 16, 1942, in Galion, Ohio to Eleanor and Loren Pry. Loren was raised Crawford County and graduated from North Robinson High School in 1960. He currently resides in Bucyrus with his wife of 20 years Rita. He is the father of 5 children, 3 stepchildren, 10 grandchildren and 8 great children. After graduating Loren furthered his education at The Ohio State University, where he graduated on March 19 ,1965 with a Bachelor of Science Degree.

He also went on to further his education at the University of Northen Colorado and graduated from on 13 December 1975 with a Master of Arts Degree.

Loren enlisted In the U.S. Air Force in 1966 and retired in 1996 as a Lt. Colonel, after over 28 years of service. His awards include The Air Force Commendation Medal w/ Oak Leaf Cluster; The Air Force Achievement Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster; plus, numerous other awards.

After retirement Loren went to work at the Mansfield Brass in Shelby, Ohio and later at Verizon in Marion, Ohio. He was a volunteer with contact helpline in Bucyrus for several years. He has been a member of the American Legion Post 181 in Bucyrus for 18 years where he serves on the funeral detail firing team. Loren and his wife Rita were former members of the Church of God in Bucyrus where Loren served on the Pastors Board and was a Deacon and Adult Sunday School teacher. He also purchased and installed the flag and flagpole at the church. Loren and Rita are currently attending and members of Victory in Truth Ministries in Bucyrus, where he serves in several capacities.

The Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame is Honored to induct Loren Edward Pry Lt. Col retired into the class of 2023.