CADIZ – On Saturday, inside the John W. Stephenson Center, the Cadiz American Legion, the Scio Legion, and the Hopedale Legion were all involved in a Veteran’s Program that emphasized the recognition of the Army, the Marine Corps, the Navy, the Air Force, the Space Force, and the Coast Guard. Saturday’s 2023 Veterans Program held lots of firsts in programming that made for a great recognition ceremony.
The program opened with a melody that recognized each of the branches of service. The melody was entitled “Salute to America’s Finest.” Bob Hirschbach – President of the Harrison County Veterans Service Commission (VSC) welcomed everyone. VSC member Craig McCawley led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. VSC member Ron Romshak pronounced the Invocation, and the Harrison Central Band played the National Anthem. The 3 Legions each had parts in the program which they performed individually and together.
“We are so proud and excited to be part of today’s program,” said Cadiz American Legion Post 34 Commander Steven Keesey. “Our country’s veterans have earned the right to not only be recognized annually, but in a manner that is more consistently used. As a veteran, I can understand what it means to serve this country and the people living here. In addition, there are times when our country’s military is called to help defend those who are defenseless, or incapable of completely doing so. Thanks to all of the Veterans of all the military services for what they stand for, and just as important, what they do.”
The program’s keynote speaker was Lt. Col. Jeffrey Dennis of the United States Air Force (retired). Dennis was a local county resident before joining the military.
Lt. Colonel Dennis is a 1996 graduate of Jewett High School. He went on to graduate from the USAF Academy in Colorado Springs, CO in 2001. There he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics, and later received a master’s degree in military operations arts and science from Air University in Montgomery, AL.
Dennis retired in December of 2022 after 21 ½ years of active duty, flying 3 different trainer and fighter aircraft. He, his wife, and two sons currently live in Arlington, VA. Dennis is the son of the late Mary Lou and Bill Dennis of Jewett.
Dennis spent some time speaking of his duties in the Air Force and reacquainting himself with other military service individuals. He alluded to the following.
“Its good to see a very nice crowd of friends, family, and veterans out today,” Dennis said. “I know several people from the area who are veterans such as Shawn Harkins and Sarah Coffland, whom was my prom date. My mother taught school at Jewett-Scio for over 34 years.”
“I have a love for the military. My love included flying planes like the Warthog, and training pilots all over the world. Through all of that I never forgot my roots here in Harrison County. I enjoyed all of the studying that I had about war. Those studies helped me become what I am today and have earned me the respect of hundreds of men.”
“Today, I want to applaud everyone, man, or woman, that has served our country in and out of war times. I thank you for the invitation today, and I hope you never forget our veterans!”
The program also allowed for the presentation of Memorial Wreaths by Bob Hirschbach. All 3 Legion Posts (Cadiz, Hopedale, Scio) announced that there will be luncheon for everyone following the day’s program.
There was a rifle salute by the 3 Legions. The salutes were done in sequence, with Cadiz firing 1st, then Hopedale, and finally Scio.
The Cadiz American Legion was thanked for maintaining the flower garden in front of the Veteran’s Memorial, and there was special thanks to Band Directors Angela and Eric Zalenski and the Harrison central High School Band.
The closing benediction was by VSC member Dave Rose.
The Harison County Veterans Service Commission is made up of the following officers: President Charles Hirschbach, Vice President Ron Romshak, Secretary Dave Rose, and Members Ed Heavener and Craig McCawley.
The Veterans Service Officers are Patricia Largent and Jeff Pesta. The office manager is Lisa Bryan, and the DAV Drivers are Dean Ager, Ed Barnhart, and Patrick Varner.
