A U.S. Navy Veteran who had the honor of serving aboard a ship within the President’s Fleet during the Vietnam War era was recognized Thursday, Dec. 19, by the Logan County Commissioners, who presented him with an early Christmas gift.
Campbell Place resident James “Garry” Woodard received the U.S. flag that flew over the Logan County Courthouse during November in the monthly tradition offered by the commissioners for local distinguished citizens.
“We’re very grateful for your service and are glad to be here today among your friends and family to present you with our flag for the month of November. It’s a small way that we can tell you ‘thank you’ for your many sacrifices,” said Commissioner Joe Antram, who was joined by Commissioner Mike Yoder and several other county officials.
“That’s so very nice; I really enjoy that,” the Columbus native and longtime Bellefontaine resident said while admiring his flag. His brother, Vietnam veteran Danny Woodard, and several other veterans attended the celebration as well at Campbell Place.
It will be an extra special Christmas present to show his wife and fellow Campbell Place resident, Nancy, once she gets released from the hospital soon, hopefully this weekend, Woodard noted. She is also a veteran who served with the U.S. Army Reserve.
The National Defense Medal honoree detailed some of his distinguished service from 1963 to 1966 following his graduation from Central High School in Columbus in 1962.
Woodard said he was stationed at Norfolk, Va., and he was a barber during much of his time in the Navy. Being part of the President’s Fleet was exciting, as “you never knew when he might come on board,” and Woodard noted he even had the rare opportunity to meet President John F. Kennedy.
“Part of what I was taught was ‘always be prepared,’” the city resident said. “Some people get hung up on all the rules and regulations in the military, but what I found was to keep your tongue clean and keep your shoes shiny all the time, and you’ll be just fine.
“I really had a lot of fun during my service.”
The 80-year-old said keeping on his toes and following that advice fared well for him, as he was selected to serve on the honor guard aboard his ship.
Woodard had the chance to visit many locales along the Atlantic Ocean during his time in the Navy, and said they traveled to the Guantanamo Bay area during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He also visited Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and said his favorite place they stopped was New York City.
Following the ceremony, he also posed for photos in front of the patriotic Veterans Wall of Honor at Campbell Place, which was completed several years ago by Campbell Place maintenance director Ray Seymour. It features photos of Campbell Place residents who served in the U.S. armed forces.
