How can veterans be relevant to Coshocton community? Engage and connect

COSHOCTON − The annual Veterans Day ceremony on the Coshocton Court Square featured a message emphasizing the importance of community engagement and connection in order to help ensure the next generation of military members.

The event featured the Coshocton County Honor Guard, music by the Walhonding Rub Band, Sam Scott singing the Armed Forces Medley, Taps played by Tim Vance and George Clark and introduction of local post commanders.

Aaron Shearer of the Coshocton County Veterans Service Office served as emcee. Sharon Burns of the local Blue Star Mothers was a guest speaker. The invocation and benediction was given by Pastor Starkey Lawrence of Shepherd's Christian Assembly.

"Our veterans took an oath to defend this nation, an oath that never expires. May we as Americans take an oath also that we will defend our veterans and ensure they receive the help they need," said Lawrence in his closing prayer.

The keynote speaker was retired Sgt. Maj. Doug Schaefer. The 1988 graduate of River View High School joined the U.S. Marine Corps the following year and retired in 2019 after 30 years of service. He served as an infantryman, drill instructor and formal schools instructor. He was deployed eight times with tours of duty for Operation Desert Storm and in Kosovo and Afghanistan. He started at the local veterans service office in 2019 and became the director in 2022.

Schaefer said he's still trying to assimilate to civilian life and somedays it doesn't seem like he ever will. He said a lot of everyday life feels routine and even dull for what a soldier lived through on a daily basis. He found what works best for him is to stay engaged with the community. He encouraged other veterans to do the same, while remembering who they are.

"I feel we have a duty and a responsibility to reintegrate into civilian life and get our sea legs up underneath us in becoming productive members of our community to the best of our abilities, to live a life worthy of our comrades sacrifices," Schaefer said. "I don't think we in good conscious can come home take off our uniforms and be expected to forget we served and become a civilian or 'just let it go.' It doesn't work that way."

Schaefer noted, according to census data, less than 1% of the U.S. population are serving in the military now and only about 7% can claim veteran status. That means there are fewer people today more than ever who has some sort of close connection with the armed forces and understands what serving the country means.

"There's a huge gap between civilian and military that grows wider each year. Why? Because fewer American have a close family member or any relative for that matter who has served in uniform than in past generations. Most of that is not having a draft and an all volunteer force," he said. "Therefore, there tends to be a growing lack of understanding and appreciation for those who have worn the uniform and what it takes to protect the nation and maintain our freedoms."

Schaefer said it's the duty of every veteran to set an example, educate the public on what they bring to the table and teach the next generation the importance of service and self-sacrifice.

"We will not remain free for long if young Americans aren't willing to don a uniform and serve. We can offer them the unvarnished truth, the benefits and importance of serving in the military. We can share our experience and lessons learned," Schaefer said. "I encourage every veteran to consider being engaged in their communities and to be the mentors and leaders so desperately lacking in our society today. If you are engaged, then keep on pushing."

Leonard Hayhurst is a community content coordinator and general news reporter for the Coshocton Tribune with more than 15 years of local journalism experience and multiple awards from the Ohio Associated Press. He can be reached at 740-295-3417 or llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @llhayhurst.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Coshocton Veterans Day ceremony had message of engagement