Military service comes with its risks, whether the person is sent to combat or not. Veteran Rick Payne, who served in the United States Navy from 1988 to 1992 then as a reservist from 2004 to 2008, knows the truth of this.
Payne’s time put him in Desert Storm (1991) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2004-2011). He received several awards and commendations, including a Meritorious Unit Commendation, a National Defense Service Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal (first award).
In honor of his service, on Tuesday, July 15, the Logan County Commissioners presented Payne with the flag that flew above the courthouse throughout the month of June 2025.
“I’ve really been blessed by my family and by God,” Payne told those gathered in the commissioners’ board room. “He’s pulled me through a lot of issues and troubles.”
Payne, who grew up in Sidney and moved to Bellefontaine in 2001, has been dealing with the “issues and troubles” that have plagued him since his time in the service. As a Navy firefighter, his training put him into contact with aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), which contains chemicals linked to health problems.
As a result, Payne developed cancer in his head and neck, most notably in his tongue, part of which had to be surgically removed. Side effects have included numbness, swelling and difficulty speaking. The disease has a high rate of recurrence and is very aggressive.
“It’s a lifelong journey,” Payne’s wife, Theresa, said later. “But his faith in God is what’s got him through it and kept his spirits up.”
Commissioner Joe Antram led the ceremony with fellow commissioner Mike Yoder presenting the flag.
Event attendees included Theresa’s parents, Fred and Phyllis Yoder, and her brother Doug; Logan County officials, and representatives of the Logan County Veterans Office, who choose each month’s flag recipient.
Despite everything he’s been through, Payne later stated, “I never thought I’d say this, but I miss the Navy.”
