A Logan County resident who has dedicated many years of her life to serving her country, helping her fellow local veterans and making an impact on her community was honored Tuesday, June 24, by the Logan County Commissioners during a ceremony at the commissioners’ office.
Suzanne Tapp of Huntsville, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and past commander of the American Legion Post 173, received the U.S. flag that was flown above the Logan County Courthouse during May from Commissioners Joe Antram, Mike Yoder and Greg Fitzpatrick.
She was joined by her husband Greg Johnston, daughter Ashley Lile, who drove from her home in Danville, Ky., with her children Gwen, 15, Ronin, 8, and Kira, 4, for the special occasion; and several other friends and family members.
“I’m so proud of my mom and all that she’s accomplished. It’s because of her that I joined the Air Force,” said Lile, who spent four years serving in the military. “I couldn’t miss out on being here today.”
Also following in his mother’s footsteps, Tapp’s son, Clifton Maxson of Plattsmouth, Neb., also served 22 years in the U.S. Navy.
After her graduation from Bellefontaine High School in 1967, Tapp served active duty in the Air Force from 1972 to 1976, specializing in weather observation.
In fact, during the tornado outbreak in the Xenia area during 1974, she was honored for her work as a weather emergency specialist.
Her other awards and commendations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.
“She did a fantastic job serving our country in this capacity,” Commissioner Antram said, relating to her weather speciality. “We’re so grateful for your service and continued work in the community.”
Following her military service, Tapp attained her degree in accounting from Franklin University and then worked at Columbia Gas in Columbus until her retirement.
In 1997, Tapp and her family moved from the Columbus area back to Logan County, and her children graduated from Indian Lake High School.
She has served as a commander of the American Legion Post 173 three times and currently is a trustee for the post. Her father, Gerald Tapp, also was involved in leadership at the local American Legion Post.
Tapp is a familiar face at many area parades, military events and other celebrations as well as a member of the Logan County color guard.
Also attending the flag ceremony were Clerk of Courts Jackie Prater, representatives from the Logan County Veterans Service Office Amy Ricketts, Laurie Varner, Ray Stamm and Richard Woodruff; and commissioners’ office administrative clerk DeDe Ross and Logan County Administrator David Henry.
