Chip Tansill (left), Ohio Department of Veteran Services director, and Ohio Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor (right) stand with John McCoy, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio and a U.S. Air Force and Ohio Air National Guard veteran who served in Vietnam, while he is inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Lincoln Theater Nov. 3, 2016, in downtown Columbus. Those selected for the honor of induction are veterans who have honorably served their country through military service and continue to serve and inspire their fellow citizens with their deeds and accomplishments in community service. |
COLUMBUS, Ohio (11/03/16) — A former Ohio National Guard member was among 19 inductees into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2016, who were honored during a ceremony Nov. 3 at the Lincoln Theatre.
John C. McCoy, 86, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, is a Vietnam War era veteran who served in both the Air Force and Ohio Air National Guard.
McCoy is a life member of the Military Officers Association of America and serves as the MOAA state legislative director for Ohio, advocating for veterans at both the state and national level. He was also instrumental in founding the MOAA Heritage Society, which oversees programs and services that assist with veteran career transition, disability assistance, Military Family reintegration, military spouse programs and financial education outreach. These programs have benefited thousands of service members, veterans, survivors and their families, according to his biography provided by the Ohio Department of Veterans Services. McCoy also was a board member of the USO of Central and Southern Ohio for more than 10 years.
“In today’s world, it is increasingly important to recognize and celebrate our ancestors and contemporaries who have demonstrated an unwavering desire to improve the lives, well-being and patriotism of our fellow citizens,” said George Ondick, OVHOF Foundation president, in a written statement.
While the OVHOF honors those with military service, it is not a military hall of fame, according to information provided by the Ohio DVS. Those selected for the honor of induction are veterans who have honorably served their country through military service and continue to serve and inspire their fellow citizens with their deeds and accomplishments in community service.
This year’s class brings the total membership of the OVHOF to nearly 500 and includes Ohio presidents, astronauts, elected officials, teachers, members of law enforcement and several community volunteers, businessmen, activists and coaches. Many members are well-known veterans — such as John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, Woody Hayes and Dave Thomas.
