Charles Lepold named 2025 Veteran of the Year for lifelong service to Wayne County

United States Air Force veteran and 2024 Veteran of the Year Bobbie Randall presented Charles Lepold with the 2025 Veteran of the Year during a ceremony hosted by the Joint Veterans of Wayne County recently at the Event Center at the Wayne County Fairgrounds.

Randall described Lepold as someone who serves silently, saying his actions consistently speak louder than words.

Lepold, a steward of local military history and an advocate for veterans, has built a legacy of service that spans numerous organizations and community efforts.

As chairman of the military committee at the Wayne County Historical Society, Lepold oversees and manages the society’s military collection. He works closely with the Wayne County Veterans Service Commission to support educational programs and special events honoring veterans across generations.

“We have two museums in Wooster that are dedicated to keeping our fallen brothers’ and sisters' military service alive; they are the Wayne County Historical Society and the Long Military Museum,” Lepold said. “There are several veteran groups to consider joining. So I ask that each veteran consider joining. We need the groups to remain functioning so that the service rendered to our country by our (Wayne County) veterans continues to be acknowledged by our fellow citizens.”

Lepold also curates military history exhibits at the Wayne County Public Library, collaborates with the Ohio National Guard and shares his historical knowledge to help preserve the stories of local service members. His efforts have earned him the Alvin Rich Lifetime Achievement Award from the Wayne County Historical Society.

Beyond museum and archival work, Lepold serves as treasurer of the Civil War Round Table and is a member of the 555th Honors Detachment, participating in ceremonies that pay final tribute to local veterans. Randall said Lepold never says no to a worthy veterans' cause.

Lepold joins a family legacy of service. His father-in-law James F. Price also is a past recipient of the Veteran of the Year and is committed to honoring the past, supporting today’s veterans and ensuring future generations understand the sacrifices made by those who served.

Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.