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 Ohio's 15th Congressional District.

Every year, the Ohio Department of Veterans Services inducts a class of veterans into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame was established to recognize the service and achievements of veterans in the community after leaving the military. I would like to recognize William (Bill) J. Richards, a member of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2015 and resident of Ohio’s 15th Congressional District.

Bill served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. After returning home, Bill began teaching history at Upper Arlington schools, where he would serve for nearly 30 years. Throughout his career, he earned numerous awards and recognition for his teaching, and led the effort for an annual Veterans Day celebration at Hastings Middle School.

Outside of the classroom, Bill has lived a life dedicated to helping veterans. He has been an active member of the VFW Post 4931 in Hilliard and the Vietnam Veterans of America. He has also had a special focus on veterans of World War II and the Korean War. In 2007, Bill and his wife, Bobbi, became involved in the Honor Flight Ohio program to help send veterans to visit the war memorials in Washington, D.C. at no cost to them. To date, they have assisted nearly 4,000 veterans from the Columbus area to make the trip and have raised more than $3 million for the program.

Bill Richards’ dedication to our country, community, and his fellow veterans is nothing short of extraordinary. There is no doubt that he is deserving of being inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame, and I thank him for all he has done for the community and veterans in Ohio. To read more about Bill Richards and the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame, click here.