By Frank Lewis
November 10th has been designated as Armed Services, Peace Officer, and First Responder Dual Service Recognition Day by both the Ohio State Legislature and the United States House of Representatives.
Tuesday a special program will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on the University Center north lawn at Shawnee State University and Dr. Terry Johnson, State Representative for Ohio’s 90th House District will be the keynote speaker.
Ahead of Veterans Day this year, Congressman Brad Wenstrup introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize and honor veterans who have also served as first responders and law enforcement officials in their communities. Known as Dual Service Recognition Day, House Resolution 516 mirrors a similar effort that passed the Ohio legislature and is sponsored by State Representative Terry Johnson.
Johnson is a veteran of the Ohio Army National Guard, Ohio’s first State Aviation Medical Officer and served two tours in Iraq. Dr. Johnson is the original sponsor for the Ohio resolution to declare November 10th a day to honor those who are twice the servants.
“Many of our veterans have worn more than one uniform in service to our country and their community,” Wenstrup said. “It is particularly fitting for us to recognize these individuals who are twice the servant, placing themselves at risk to defend the United States in our armed services and sacrificing to protect and serve communities as a peace officer or first responder. Dual Service Recognition Day is a small effort to recognize those who run towards danger as part of their daily job.”
Wenstrup and Johnson will be touring southern Ohio on Tuesday, Nov. 10, hosting Dual Service Recognition Day events in addition to the one in Portsmouth, in Cincinnati and Columbus. More information can be found at www.wenstrup.house.gov/calendar.
Reach Frank Lewis at 740-353-3101, ext. 1928, or on Twitter @franklewis.
