By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
On the day that all veterans are honored, the Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame enlisted nine new members into their ranks.
William L. Chapman, (World War II) Thomas (Mike) Clayton, (Vietnam), Kenneth L. Javens, (Vietnam) Shawn E. Leonhardt, (Desert Storm) David K. Oswalt, (Peace Time) George D. Stratton, Jr. (World War II) Douglas E. Wilson, Sr. (Peace Time) Rollie C. Wilson, (World War II) and Rodney W. Wise (OIF/OEF) were inducted into the Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame as the Class of 2016.
Rollie Wilson served in the U.S. Army Airforce during World War II as part of the 95th Bombardment Group of the 8th Air Force where he served as a Staff Sergeant and tail gunner with unit 334. Wilson spoke about his experiences during World War II.
“I was a tail gunner on a B-17 bomber and well I was able to keep the rest of them back so we wouldn’t get hit. We were coming back one time and they were shooting at us from the ground and one of those gringes floated under the tail, a piece went through my leg. I still have problems with that all these years, but I am here today. That is the big thing that makes me feel good, I am here today.”
Wilson explained that being inducted made him feel good.
“It is a good feeling, it really is. Nothing ever happened like that before. It makes you feel good,” Wilson said.
Wise enlisted into the U.S. Army in 1987 shortly after graduating Bucyrus High School, and retired 22 years later as a Sergeant First Class. During his time in service Wise served during Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as Operation Enduring Freedom. Wise expressed his feelings on joining the Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame.
“It is truly an honor to be here, but it is also a humbling experience as well. You don’t feel you do anything that deserves recognition, you look back at some things that you accomplished and you are really surprised at the things you had done over the past 25 years of service. You look out in the crowd and you are like, wow this is a great company to be honored with, and it is truly a blessing to be recognized today, and I just want to say thank you to all my past and fellow veterans, all the current service members out there, and say thank you for this opportunity to be honored.”
Wise spoke about what his day to day duties were while enlisted.
“It is hard to predict every day is going to be different, even though you have certain jobs you have to do, you don’t know what challenges you are going to face,” Wise explained. “As long as you remember to accomplish your mission, you have to worry about the welfare of your fellow soldiers that seems to be a good guideline on how to conduct yourself day to day.”
Clayton, who served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, thanked the Crawford County Veterans Hall of Fame Committee for the recognition.
Leonhardt served in the U.S. Army during Operation Desert Storm. During his induction Leonhardt gave thanks.
“Thanks you to the Veterans Hall of Fame Board, all of the veterans, and my family for the support while I was gone,” Leonhardt said.
“I am honored for this award,” Clayton said. “Say a prayer for those who are in harm’s way.
Oswalt, who served in the U.S. Navy Reserve and U.S. Army retired in 2000 after 20 years of service. During his acceptance speech Oswalt described what the induction felt like.
“This is awesome,” Oswalt opened. “I would like to thank Chuck Christman and the committee, Bucyrus, Colonel Crawford, and my family.”
Doug Wilson served a total of 41 years 10 months and five days in the Ohio National Guard, and Army Reserve. Doug thanked the committee for the privilege of the award.
Not all of the veterans were able to accept their honors in person as Chapman, Stratton, and Javens were inducted posthumously. Javens’ daughter Michelle accepted the recognition on her father’s behalf.
Michelle spoke about the honor for her dad to be inducted.
“We was honored by that, they had a lot of people to choose from, so for them to choose my dad is an honor,” Michelle said.
Michelle added that her father was proud of his service to his country.
“He talked about his service quite often, he was proud of it. He was proud of his accomplishments in the service,” Michelle noted.
Javens served in the Army during the Vietnam War from 1964-1967. Upon returning home he married his wife Sandy and moved to Galion.
Following the induction “Amazing Grace” was played on the bagpipes followed by taps and a rifle salute.
Lt. Col. Robert Dunlap of the 179th Air Wing of the Ohio National Guard was the keynote speaker of the event. During his speech Dunlap spoke about the origins of Veterans Day with the armistice of World War I. Dunlap also spoke of the differences between Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
After Dunlap spoke to the crowd, the Crawford County High School Bands under the direction of Crestline Band Director Rob Glaze performed a medley of anthems while the service flags were presented.