AKRON, OH—Following an Akron Beacon Journal news report that spurred dozens of phone calls to his Cleveland office, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) presented overdue or replacement military medals to nearly 30 veterans or their family members in a ceremony at the Summit County Veterans Service Commission today.

“Ohio’s veterans made invaluable contributions to our fight for worldwide peace and democracy. Our state’s service members answered the call to action without delay, and it was only for their unhesitating service that we are able to enjoy the freedoms and liberties we have today,” Brown said. “As a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I go to work each and every day committed to serving Ohio and America’s veterans and ensuring that they receive the benefits they so richly deserve. I’m honored to present so many veterans and their family members with these well-earned medals today.”

“I want to encourage any veteran who thinks he or she may be entitled to overdue or replacement medals—or has any other question or concern or needs assistance with the VA—to contact my office. Replacing these medals is a service that only in small part begins to honor and repay the tremendous work Ohio’s veterans have undertaken on our behalf, and serves as an inspiration to future generations from our state,” Brown continued.

The veterans receiving medals—many of whom served in World War II or the Korean War—hail from across northeast Ohio, including Akron, Atwater, Canal Fulton, Cuyahoga Falls, Doylestown, Massillon, Mogadore, Munroe Falls, North Canton, Northfield Center, Norton, Ravenna, Rootstown, Sebring, Streetsboro, and Uniontown.

Army ROTC Cadets based at the University of Akron acted as escorts of the veterans and their families.  University of Akron’s ARMY ROTC Department Head and Professor of Military Science and Leadership Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Corbett also assisted with the medal presentation.

“The University of Akron's Army ROTC proudly supports our American servicemen and women, and we deeply appreciate their service to our country," said Lt. Col. Corbett, department head and professor of military science and leadership at The University of Akron. "We also recognize the families and friends of our veterans, past and present. It's humbling to be able to present military awards to these local heroes and their families, many years after their distinguished service to the nation.”

“Nearly all of these veterans were from World War II, the Greatest Generation, and few of them remain with us,” Lt. Col. Corbett added. “These soldiers, sailors and airmen left behind loved ones, interrupted careers, and put their lives on hold to serve overseas and defend our allies. Their example inspires us still today, though, at home and abroad. They stopped an evil ruler; they liberated the oppressed; and they upheld the rule of law more than 60 years ago. Our American servicemen and women continue that tradition today, and we all applaud their courage and commitment.”

Brown recently presented Channel 5 news anchor and Vietnam War veteran Leon Bibb with several medals he had not previously received. Ohio veterans and the family members of deceased veterans may request military records and medals by contacting Senator Brown’s Cleveland office at (216) 522-7272 or by visiting the “Constituent Services” section of Brown’s website at brown.senate.gov.

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