Larry Woods leads attendees in the pledge of allegiance at the 2025 Veterans Hall of Fame induction ceremony Saturday at the Tower Event and Conference Center in Marietta. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

MARIETTA – Washington County honored 10 veterans Saturday evening during the 2025 Veterans Hall of Fame induction ceremony, celebrating their military service and lifelong commitment to the community.

The annual recognition, founded in 2018, highlights veterans who not only served with distinction in the military but continued to strengthen their communities through public service, volunteerism, leadership and advocacy. This year’s gathering took place at the Tower Event and Conference Center.

“This is a chance for us to get together and celebrate veterans in our community — the best of the best,” said Darren Shearlock, executive director of the Washington County Veterans Service Commission. “We hope people leave tonight with a spirit of patriotism and a realization that our veterans are a national treasure.”

Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of sharing veterans’ stories to inspire future generations.

“You’re the fiber that holds us together,” Harris said. “Be sure to keep inspiring, because our nation needs it — and we need healing.”

Denver Adams sings the national anthem during the opening ceremony at the 2025 Veterans Hall of Fame Saturday at the Tower Event and Conference Center in Marietta. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

He urged veterans to continue leading and strengthening civic life, calling their service essential to preserving the nation’s values.

Marietta Mayor Josh Schlicher issued a proclamation declaring Nov. 1 as Washington County Veterans Hall of Fame Day in the city.

Washington County Commissioners Charlie Schilling and Eddie Place read a resolution honoring the inductees and praising the county’s Veterans Service Commission.

A recognition from state Rep. Kevin Ritter, R-Ohio, was read in his absence, as were commendations from Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and an acknowledgment from U.S. Rep. Mike Rulli, R-Ohio, whose formal proclamation is forthcoming.

The following veterans were inducted in the 2025 Hall of Fame:

Attendees at the 2025 Veterans Hall of Fame grab a quick bite and socialize prior to the start of the induction ceremony on Saturday at the Tower Event and Conference Center in Marietta. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

* Pfc. Larry A. Britton, U.S. Marine Corps (1957-60), for exceptional community service and outstanding veterans advocacy.

* Command Master Chief Eric Todd Clark, U.S. Navy (1985-2015), decorated with multiple service medals and a longtime leader in Belpre veterans’ organizations.

* Petty Officer 2nd Class James A. Dukas, U.S. Navy (1944-46), World War II veteran who later championed youth civic involvement and veteran services.

* Master Sgt. Michael E. Dye, U.S. Air Force, three combat tours and extensive veterans’ volunteer work.

* 2nd Lt. Vernon L. Gatewood (posthumous), U.S. Army Air Forces — shot down over Germany in World War II, POW for nearly a year, later a civic leader and author.

Mark and Betty Gatewood accept an award on behalf of Washington County Veterans Hall of Fame inductee, the late Vernon L. Gatewood on Saturday at the Tower Event and Conference Center in Marietta. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

* Sgt. Thomas E. Kukulka, U.S. Army/Reserves, veteran advocate known for aiding local veterans and organizing community support initiatives.

* Sgt. Ronald “Greg” Nohe, U.S. Army and longtime Marietta police captain, recognized for law enforcement leadership and community safety work.

* Sgt. 1st Class Tyler D. Witham, U.S. Army Special Operations, supported post-9/11 efforts and global missions; later modernized veterans’ services locally.

* Spec. 4 Gary A. Worstell, U.S. Army, volunteer driver, food relief organizer and active civic servant.

* Cpl. Kreig A. Worstell, U.S. Marine Corps, firefighter, paramedic and medical volunteer, recognized for humanitarian service.

Washington County Veterans Service Commission Executive Director Darren Shearlock welcomes attendees to the 2025 Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony on Saturday at the Tower Event and Conference Center in Marietta. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Gatewood’s story drew particular emotion. A World War II bombardier, he bailed out of a damaged B-24 over Germany, survived capture, endured a reported 600-mile forced march and returned home to devote his life to faith, community and education.

“He wanted young people to understand why we go to war and what serving your country means,” Shearlock said. “He lived patriotism every day.”

Several local organizations and individuals also received veteran support awards, including:

* Veteran of the Year: Petty Officer 3rd Class Roy J. Campbell Jr.

* Distinguished Service Award: Leanne Price, suicide-prevention advocate and crisis response volunteer.

Retired Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, encourages attendees to continue sharing veterans’ stories during the 2025 Washington County Veterans Hall of Fame induction ceremony Saturday at the Tower Event and Conference Center in Marietta. (Photo by Gwen Sour

* Employer of the Year: Marietta Lowe’s.

* Veterans Community Service Award: United Minerals.

* Partner of the Year: Marietta Elks Lodge 477.

* Committee Chair Award of Excellence: Tower Event and Conference Center.

The Tower event venue received recognition for donating space and support for the ceremony.

As the ceremony closed, attendees were invited to sign a commemorative flag that will travel statewide and be flown at the Ohio Statehouse in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

“Without our veterans,” Shearlock said, “we would cease to be a nation.”

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com.