Recognizing Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Inductees
Posted by
Steve Stivers
on
November 5, 2014
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There is so much negativity today in the news and everywhere we look that it is always nice when we can pause to recognize good things that are happening in our community. I would like to take the opportunity to use this blog to highlight some of the positive events that are happening in Central Ohio.
Every year, we celebrate our veterans for the sacrifices they have made to protect and fight for our freedoms. As we approach Veterans Day, I would like to recognize three veterans from our very own district who are being inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame: James P. Bowes of Lancaster, James E. Albright of Commercial Point, and James J. Leach of Orient. Not only have these veterans served honorably in battles; but, they have also shown incredible dedication and commitment to our community upon leaving the military.
James P. Bowes served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and has since shown unwavering dedication to his fellow veterans and community. Bowes has established a scholarship program for children of veterans, which has helped over 80 students attend college since 2000. Today, Bowes continues to serve in leadership roles for the American Legion’s Buckeye Boys State program, American Legion Post 11 in Lancaster, and the Charity Newsies board. He also serves homeless veterans at the Art Keiffer House by providing them with food and helping them find employment.
James E. Albright is also an Army veteran who has served in the Vietnam War. Since serving in Vietnam, Albright has written and published various stories of World War II veterans. His book has been distributed and enjoyed by veterans, families, libraries, and local newspapers. In 2010, Albright received the Patrick Henry Award, the highest honor a civilian can receive from the National Guard Association, for organizing a family readiness group for a deployed unit with the Ohio National Guard. Albright continues to serve in leadership roles in a number of community organizations.
James J. Leach served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After World War II, Leach served Navy veterans in various roles at the Ohio LST/AMPHIBS Association. During his time at the Ohio LST/AMPHIBS Association, the chapter grew to become the largest state chapter in the country with nearly 1,100 members. Leach also raised funds to place an LST Memorial at three locations throughout Ohio. His service went beyond Ohio LST, as he was a Kiwanis member and anonymously donated cars to working single moms in need. James passed away on July 17, 2010; and his daughter is proudly receiving this award in her father’s honor.
It is because of people like these three veterans that our country remains second to none. Their dedicated service to both our military and in our community has been nothing short of outstanding. All of these veterans are incredibly deserving of this honor, and, I congratulate them for their induction into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.
