A 2011 Bellefontaine High School graduate and highly trained U.S. Marine Corps aviation technician will share his story Monday, Nov. 11, as the featured speaker for the Logan County Veterans Day ceremony.
The ceremony begins at 11:11 a.m. in front of the Logan County Courthouse, and then moves into the Holland Theatre for the program. A free meal for veterans and families is served afterward at the American Legion Post 173, 120 Colton Ave., Bellefontaine.
Featured speaker Gunnery Sgt. Corbin J. Messner was born in Bellefontaine on April 29, 1993, a son of Joe and Angie Messner.
In March of 2013, he completed recruit training with the 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, Echo Company, MCRD Parris Island, S.C., and then attended Marine Combat Training, School of Infantry, at Camp Geiger from March to April 2013.
Gunnery Sgt. Messner then reported to Naval Air Station in Penscacola, Fla., where he attended Aviation Electronics Mate Strand C1 A1 and Avionics Warfare Apprentice Training School.
In September 2013, the 2011 BHS graduate reported to the Marine Corps Air Station in New River, N.C., where he attended V-22 Avionics Schools, graduating in April 2014.
During November 2015, he received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for intervening and preventing an attempted suicide.
Then in January 2017, Gunnery Sgt. Messner reported to Marine Helicopter Squadron One in Quantico, Va., and was awarded the Presidential Service Badge on April 5, 2018.
In September 2018, he became a MV-22 Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Represntative (CDQAR). He was transferred to a unit to work on Marine One helicopters in October 2018.
Gunnery Sgt. Messner earned his communication security qualification in April of 2019.
During his tour at Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX), the city native completed 18 Anacostia tours, 28 intercontinental tours and three tours abroad, including Presidential support in Normandy, France, and in Brussells, Belgium.
Gunnery Sgt. Messner received orders to Basic Recruiting Course in 2020, and upon completion in the fall of 2021, he received orders to the Recruiting Station in Columbus.
During December 2021, he was assigned to the Recruiting Sub-Station in Heath and served as a canvassing recruiter, and later was reassigned during the merge of the RS Columbus and RS Cleveland as a station commander.
In February of 2024, he was promoted to his current rank of gunnery sergeant, and he currently serves as the RS Ohio Program specialist.
His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars.
Other Veterans Day activities in the area include:
• Benjamin Logan Schools — Monday, Nov. 11; breakfast for local veterans at 8 a.m., followed by ceremony at 9 a.m., Benjamin Logan High School commons and auditorium; highlights include: Star-Spangled Banner performed by the high school chorale, “America the Beautiful” performed by high school chorale and seventh-, eighth-grade choir, “Do You Wanna Know Freedom” by the fourth-grade choir, “Armed Forces Salute” and “Taps” performed by high school band; event organized by BLHS Student Government; make reservations to [email protected] with your name and the number of guests attending, or call the high school office at (937) 592-1666.
• Indian Lake Schools — 12:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, Indian Lake area veterans and their guests are invited to a day of celebration and recognition at Indian Lake High School; a full lunch will be served, followed by an assembly; make reservations with your name, branch of service and guests who will be attending, no later than Nov. 4, you may call the school at (937) 686-8851 ext. 4215 or the high school office with your information.
• Riverside Schools — Monday, Nov. 11, annual Veterans Day Breakfast and Assembly, breakfast in the cafeteria starts at 8 a.m., followed by assembly in the gymnasium at 9 a.m.; guests are asked to park in the east parking lot by the high school gym, enter through the high school gym doors to sign in; musical performances and a guest speaker are planned; all veterans and their spouses are welcome.
• Bellefontaine City Schools’ Veterans Day Field of Honor — Display Nov. 8-15, display will be showcased at Blue Jacket Park.