A decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran and hard-working Quincy resident received a special honor Tuesday, Sept. 24, from the Logan County Commissioners.
Ronald Dean Roby was presented with the U.S. flag that flew over the Logan County Courthouse during August as part of the Distinguished Citizen tribute offered each month.
“Thank you all for thinking of me; this is a truly an honor,” the Vietnam War veteran said to the commissioners and those gathered at the commissioner’s office for the ceremony. “I appreciate my family being here with me today.
He was joined by his wife of 57 years, Connie, along with his daughter and son-in-law Kimberly and Leonard Taylor, granddaughter Danielle Prater and grandson Lane Shepherd. In addition, Mr. and Mrs. Roby’s son, David D. Roby, is an active member of the military, currently serving in the Ohio National Guard near Cincinnati.
During his early years, Mr. Roby lived in several different villages around Logan County, and he graduated from West Liberty-Salem High School in 1965.
Oct. 19, 1966, he entered into service with the Marine Corps, and then in July of 1967, and he and Mrs. Roby were married.
The following year, Mr. Roby participated in the Vietnam Conflict from February through October 1968.
“There were good times, bad times and many times in between,” he said of his time in Vietnam.
“The time you gave was so precious,” Logan County Commissioner Joe Antram said, joined by Commissioners Mark Robinson and Mike Yoder for the presentation. “You are loved and honored today.”
Antram listed Mr. Roby’s many accolades earned during his service, including the Combat Action Ribbon (Vietnam), Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service medal with 3 Bronze Campaign Stars, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Ribbon Bar (Gallantry Civil Action Color with palm and frame), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, Rifle Expert Badge, Marksmanship for Pistol Expert Badge and the Good Conduct Medal.
Following his time in the Marines, Mr. Roby was employed at a variety of area workplaces, first at Humble Construction, and also at Mid-States Container. He spent 24 years working for Airstream, he noted, and most recently, he worked for MDI, retiring from there this year.
Now he’s occupying his time with his favorite hobbies of hunting, woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Other elected officials joining in for the ceremony included Logan County Recorder Pat Myers, Logan County Treasurer Rhonda Stafford and Logan County Appointed Clerk of Courts Jackie Prater; along with commissioner’s office staff Logan County Administrator David Henry and Administrative Clerk DeDe Doss.
