Portage commissioners recognize Vietnam veteran's service

Record-Courier
·1 min read
Portage County Commissioners recently recognized Robert Towles, a Vietnam veteran who went on to use his military knowledge to serve his fellow veterans. From left are Commissioner Vicki Kline, Towles, Commissioner Sabrina Christian-Bennett and Commissioner Tony Badalamenti.
Portage County Commissioners recently recognized Robert Towles, a Vietnam veteran who went on to use his military knowledge to serve his fellow veterans. From left are Commissioner Vicki Kline, Towles, Commissioner Sabrina Christian-Bennett and Commissioner Tony Badalamenti.

Portage County commissioners recently recognized a Vietnam veteran for using his military knowledge to serve his fellow veterans in Ohio.

Robert L. Towles, a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War, was recognized with a resolution honoring him for his service. Towles also is a retired civilian employee of the 910th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve Command.

During his lifetime, commissioners said, Towles held positions such as being the first Vietnam veteran elected as nation commander of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association. He also started and led the Vets for Vets Outreach Mission at the Warren First Church of the Nazarene, and he organized the Western Reserve Outpost of Pointman International Ministries.

Towles holds a bachelor's degree from the University of the State of New York, Albany, and a master's degree and doctorate in history from Kent State University, where he did his doctorial dissertation on the battle at LZ Albany. He was one of the 20 class members of this year's Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Portage commissioners recognize Vietnam veteran's service