Veterans Inducted Into Hall of Fame

Five local veterans are being formally honored for their years of service Wednesday night.

More than 200 people watched Donald Campbell, Thomas Ceplice, Jeffory Dittmar, Jerry Wade and Mary Ellen Moss be inducted into the Muskingum County Veterans Hall of Fame.

"It warms to see these veterans being honored like they do, because they deserve it. Every day, every minute and I hope that individuals don’t ever forget," says Sergeant Ayla Higgs a recruiter for the U.S. Army.

Mary Ellen Moss is the first woman to be inducted.  She has a simple message for young people about the Army.

"Try it and you might like it," said Moss as the crowd applauded.

All five veterans received medals which will hang permanently on the wall in Secrest Auditorium, along with the medals of the 45 previous inductees.
 

A little bit about each inductee:

-Donald Campbell- Born in El Paso, Texas and served in the U.S. Navy.  He has been married to Joy for 39 years and has two sons, Troy and Chad.  Mr. Campbell helped start the Muskingum County Veterans Council.  He took care of the Muskingum County Fair concession and racing program for many years.  He was very active in the VFW Post 1058, Toys for Tots, past commander of AmVets 1992 and is a member of American Legion #29, Muskingum Lodge #368, Scottish Rite Valley of Cambridge and involved in other non-profits.

-Thomas Ceplice- Born in Youngstown, Ohio and served in the U.S. Army.  He has been married to Verlamaze Cavender for 42 years and has one daughter, Karissa.  Mr. Ceplice was a teacher for 34 years.  He was an advisor and mentor for various school activities.  He has been a Sunday School teacher since 1980.  Muskingum County Jail and Nursing Home Ministries.  Member of Lions Club, NEA and AmVets.  He has been a drive for Christ Table for 9 years.

-Jeffory Dittmar- Born in Zanesville and served in the U.S. Air Force.  He ahs been married to Sharon for 39 years and has 3 children, Todd, Aimie and Alicia.  He is owner of Dittmar Insurance Agency.  Mr. Dittmar was treasurer for Richey Home and School League in 1979, VP in 1980 and President in 1981.  He helped establish the Richey Little League and was a coach for 6 years.  He was the announcer for the Far North Stars for 15 years.  He is Adjutant for AmVets Post 1992.  He is also a member of DAV, American Legion #29, VFW Post 1058 and Lafayette Lodge 79.

-Mary Ellen Moss- Born in Frazeysburg, Ohio and served in the U.S. Woman’s Army Corp.  She was married to Virgil Moss and has one son, Clinton.  Mrs. Moss was the 1st woman elected to the TriValley board of Education and served for 12 years.  She served as treasurer of Frazeysburg-Nashport League for over 40 years.  Mrs. Moss was the Program and Publications director for the homecoming for 7 years.  She maintained the records of veterans buried in Frazeysburg Cemetary helped put out flags for over 50 years.  This is just a small example of her volunteer work.

-Jerry Wade- Served in the U.S. Army and has been married to Marilyn for 43 years, they have 2 children, Gregory and Sondra "Lynn".  Mr. Wade was a Game Protector for the State of Ohio Department of Natural Resources.  He served Muskingum County for over 30 years and retired in 1999 as a law enforcement supervisor.  Mr. Wade has held various positions with Ducks Unlimited over the last 31 years.  he has volunteered for such organizations as Nashport Elementary PTO, Biddy League Basketball, baseball and Boy Scouts.

Katie Jeffries
KJeffries@whizmediagroup.com