A local veteran who dedicated approximately three decades of his life to service with both the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Air Force received special recognition Wednesday, March 26, at a place close to his heart where he has stepped up as a longtime volunteer.
Bellefontaine resident Jerry Walker received the flag that was flown above the Logan County Courthouse during February from Logan County Commissioners Joe Antram, Greg Fitzpatrick and Mike Yoder during a ceremony at the Logan County Friendly Senior Center, where Walker previously served as a board member.
Senior center members offered their applause and thanks to the Vietnam War era veteran, who also served in Grenada and the Gulf War, while they were gathered at the 934 S. Main St. facility for lunch. Walker still remains active with the senior center’s main fundraiser, Friday night bingo, he said.
“Thank you to the commissioners for this very special flag,” Walker said during the presentation. “This special flag will be another addition to several flags that have been most honorably presented. I’m most appreciative.”
The honored veteran also expressed appreciation to Shelley Kneece, director of the Logan County Veteran’s Service Office, who was in attendance as well, for her friendship and her assistance to many area veterans.
A native of eastern Pennsylvania, Walker’s military assignments have taken him in and through the entire U.S. — to 48 states to be exact — and to quite a few international locations, including countries in Asia, Europe, Africa and North and South America.
Through his service to both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard, he was promoted 11 times, and said what was most rewarding was “helping people” and serving in leadership roles, encouraging others entering the armed services to “become the best that you possibly can be.”
Walker entered the U.S. Air Force in 1965, and served for more than seven years, including stints in San Antonio, Texas; Biloxi, Miss.; and then entered a fateful time from 1966-1968, when he began his service at the 664th AC&W Radar Squadron in Bellefontaine, located at Campbell Hill, which is now home to the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center.
While stationed here, he met “Deputy Don King”’s twin sister, and the couple were married and they raised their family in the Bellefontaine area.
Following three other assignments, he was honorable discharged from the Air Force on Aug. 4, 1972, which is coincidentally “Coast Guard Day.” He joined the Coast Guard that same month, continuing through May of 1995, and completed nine assignments during this 22-year stint., beginning in Cape May, N.J.; Key West, Fla, and Marcus Island, Japan. Walker also served at the U.S. Coast Guard’s Headquarters as well.
Also in attendance at the ceremony included Logan County Clerk of Courts Jackie Prater, Amy Ricketts from the Logan County Veterans Service Office and Logan County Commissioner’s Office Administrative Clerk DeDe Doss.
