Governor DeWine Inducted Veteran Into Hall of Fame
Columbus Grove native Justin LeHew joined the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Military Jobs
Live Poll
Do you believe honoring veterans for post-service achievements strengthens community spirit in your area?
Governor Mike DeWine has inducted Columbus Grove native Justin LeHew into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. LeHew was honored alongside 19 other recipients in the 2026 class for his post-military service and community leadership.
Why it matters
The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame recognizes military veterans who have demonstrated a continued commitment to service, leadership, and their local communities long after leaving active duty.
The 2026 Hall of Fame class includes 20 inductees from 14 different Ohio counties and four branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. These new additions bring the total membership of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame to 1,014 individuals.
The players
Mike DeWine
He is the current Governor of Ohio.
Justin LeHew
He is a combat veteran from Columbus Grove and a 2026 inductee into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.
The details
Inductees are honored for their significant accomplishments after their military service, which included combat operations in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Bosnia-Herzegovina for LeHew. Members of the Hall of Fame receive a permanent display at the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts in Columbus.
Timeline
July 1988: Justin LeHew began his recruitment training.
August 2013: Justin LeHew assumed his current post.
November 12, 2026: The 35th annual induction ceremony will occur at 10 a.m.
Market Landscape
This induction follows the protocol of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame, which maintains a permanent display at the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts. The selection process highlights an ongoing effort to showcase veterans who remain active in public service roles across the state.
Residents can visit the permanent displays at the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts to learn about the history and service of these honorees. The ceremony serves as an opportunity for the public to engage with the legacy of military members who continue to contribute to the state.
The takeaway
Recognizing veterans for their post-service community contributions encourages continued civic engagement among those who have completed their military commitments. Residents should look for opportunities to nominate local veterans who demonstrate exceptional leadership in civilian life.
What happens next
The 35th annual induction ceremony for the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. on November 12, 2026, at the Ohio Union in Columbus.
Further reading
Learn more about veteran recognition programs on the Military Jobs page.
More information
For more details on the selection criteria and past members, visit the Hall of Fame information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Lima News.
Live Poll
Do you believe honoring veterans for post-service achievements strengthens community spirit in your area?
