A decorated Vietnam War veteran received a special honor from the Logan County Commissioners Thursday, Jan. 23, during a ceremony where he was lauded for his bravery and service with a token of recognition.
Ray Prater, who resides north of Bellefontaine with his wife of 53 years, Jodi, was presented with the U.S. flag that flew above the Logan County Courthouse during December, continuing the monthly flag tradition offered by the commissioners. The Logan County Veteran’s Service Office assists by recommending veterans for the program.
Commissioner Joe Antram introduced Mr. Prater, who served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1970 and received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. Fellow Commissioner Mike Yoder presented him with the flag and newly installed Commissioner Greg Fitzpatrick led the Pledge of Allegiance.
“I’m very honored and humbled,” the area resident said. “Thank you to the commissioners for having me here today and to Shelley Kneece (Logan County Veteran’s Service Office director).”
Kneece hopped up to give Mr. Prater a hug and offer her congratulations as well.
“It’s been a real pleasure to serve you and your family over the years,” she said.
A native of Hardin County, growing up in Foraker, the U.S. Army veteran attended the McGuffey School before graduating from Upper Scioto Valley High School in 1966, the year that the district consolidated.
Mr. Prater, who will celebrate his 77th birthday next month, is a retired construction worker who worked in the field for 38 years and was employed by the Harold J. Becker Company of Dayton and Dalton Maintenance of Medway.
Mrs. Prater said she and her husband had been introduced by family members years ago after attending the same wedding, and they started dating after he arrived back home from Vietnam. They have four children, Joel, Randy, Angel and Wes, and he also has another son, Dave Shepherd. Two sons, Randy and Dave, followed in their father’s footsteps, serving in the U.S. Navy and the Marines, respectively. Two of Dave’s children are military service members as well.
The couple has eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren to keep them busy in retirement.
Joining in for the ceremony were Logan County Clerk of Courts Jackie Prater; Logan County Veteran’s Service Office representatives Evan McClure and Jesse Daniels; Commissioner’s Office Clerk DeDe Doss and Administrator David Henry.
