Lancaster Mayor David Scheffler named to Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2023
LANCASTER − A prominent Lancaster figure is being recognized for his post-military service by the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.
The Ohio Department of Veterans Services announced members of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2023 in September. Included in this year's class was Lancaster Mayor David Scheffler, who served in the United States Army.
"I knew it was a pretty significant honor and was surprised when I was asked if I would agree to be nominated," said Scheffler. "Of course, I said yes. It's a big thrill and I'm excited about the opportunity."
Induction into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame is based on post-military service. Aside from the obvious, serving as mayor of Lancaster, Scheffler has a long list of other accomplishments to make him a worthy member of the Hall of Fame.
Scheffler's post-military service and accomplishments include the following:
Mayor to the City of Lancaster, 2017 to present
Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors from 1993 to 2013, Executive Committee from 1995 to 2013, and Board Chairman from 2003 to 2005
Self-employed Fine Art Photographer, 2009 to 2021
Executive Director of Destination Downtown Lancaster, 2014 to 2017
Ohio Mayors Alliance, Board of Directors, 2019 to 2023
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, 2020 to 2023
Elected Delegate, Ohio Delegation Chair, 1995 White House Conference on Small Business
Scheffler's extensive list of accomplishments contains much more.
Scheffler was drafted to and served with the United States Army from 1970 to 1971. According to him, he reported to the Army just days after the Kent State shootings. He did his basic training at Fort Bragg Army Base in North Carolina.
From there, Scheffler was sent to military police school and received further education as a correctional specialist. His active-duty service took place at Fort Polk in Louisiana.
Getting drafted to the Army was not something that Scheffler had expected. Due to having rheumatic fever in his youth, Scheffler was under the impression that he would not be eligible for the draft.
"It was a complete surprise that I was drafted," said Scheffler. "Every doctor that I went to always told me that I never had to worry about being drafted."
In an interesting bit of history, Scheffler revealed that he was selected in the draft by way of the first-ever lottery.
Finally, Scheffler described the importance of honoring veterans with things such as the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.
"It's certainly wonderful to single out veterans," said Scheffler. "Not only to honor them, but to recognize the importance of military service and how important it is, and was, to the country."
Scheffler made a final pitch for why joining the military can be a beneficial act, not only for the country, but for the individual joining.
"I know the military has fallen down or fallen short on their recruiting goals, but you can join the military, develop an occupation, get your college paid for after you serve, and more."
All 20 members of the class will be honored during the annual Induction Ceremony at the Fawcett Center for Tomorrow (2400 Olentangy River Road, Columbus) on the campus of The Ohio State University at 10 a.m., Nov. 9.
Aaron Burd is a breaking news and government reporter for the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette. Contact him via email at AMBurd@gannett.com for comments or story tips. Follow him on Twitter @AaronMBurd.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Lancaster Mayor David Scheffler honored for post-military service
