Posted in GeneralState Parks History
Each year, in mid-November, our country takes a moment to recognize the veterans who have selflessly served in our armed forces. Often, we may not think about how close we might be to someone who has spent time in the service. In Ohio’s State Parks, several of our staff members who interact with you every day have served overseas in military operations. Two have offered to share their stories…
Name: John Lewis
Position: Leadership Team for the West Central Parks District
Years of Military Service: 1986-94 (8 yrs)
John Lewis served as a specialist in the 342nd Military Police Company in the Army National Guard. His service took him to the Middle East, during Operation Desert Storm from fall of 1990 to August of 1991, where he served as an escort guard transporting prisoners to POW camps and working in the POW camps himself.
John graduated from Zanesville High School in 1989, but he didn’t graduate without first having signed up to join the armed forces. “There wasn’t really a question of whether or not I was going to join,” he said. “It’s something that seemed natural. It ran in the family.”
Both of John’s grandparents served in World War II. Grandfather Eldred Fisher served in an infantry unit in Japan and his other grandfather, John, served in a tank division in Germany and Italy. Their service was something that always resonated with him.
“Growing up, they shared their war stories with me. I heard what they’d done. I saw the pictures. As a boy growing up, your grandfather is this kind of hero and that’s what they were to me. I wanted to serve my country in the same way.
His time in 342nd gave him the discipline, drive, and ambition which guided him through his career for Ohio State Parks: starting as a part time member of the Dredge Crew at Blue Rock State Park; to Assistant Manager at Indian Lake; and finally to the Leadership Team of the West Central Parks District, which covers seven parks in western Ohio.
“Being in the military made me want to be the best– I wouldn’t have had the work ethic or drive to move up the chain if I hadn’t gained those skills,” he said. “And Ohio State Parks is about being the best.”
With a military history in his family, Veteran’s Day takes on a special meaning for John. Each Veteran’s Day, John travels to the graves of his grandfathers and pays tribute to their legacy. “Veteran’s day,” he said, “is being reminded of all those who served our country proudly and kept us free.”
John now lives in Lawrenceville, Ohio with his wife Joanie and daughter Katie.
Name: Jason Milliken
Position: Park Officer at Salt Fork State Park
Years of Military Service: 2000-2004; 2010-present (6 years)
Jason began his military career in 2000 with the Army National Guard as a specialist in the 157th Military Police Company. Soon after enlisting, he was stationed in Columbus, Georgia for Operation Noble Eagle 2001 to late 2002. Shortly after, in 2003, he was called to duty to serve in Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Serving in Iraq gave Jason a new perspective on his life back home. “It wasn’t easy living,” he said “We never had electricity and sometimes didn’t have a bathroom either. It makes you realize how good we have it and much you take for granted.”
“More seriously,” he added, “It makes you value your life and the time with your friends and family that much more. When you’re serving in a combat zone, it’s minute to minute, day to day. You never know when it could be your time.”
All the while, Jason was working for the Division of Parks as a ranger, making his way up the ladder. When he began in 2001, he worked a seasonal officer at the Lake Erie Islands. In 2002, shortly before leaving for Iraq, he landed a part time position at Dillon State Park. Having returned from Iraq, he was hired full-time at Salt Fork State Park and hasn’t left since.
The discipline he gained in the service helped in his position as a State Park officer. “It strengthened my professionalism and pride. Pride in wearing my officer’s uniform and professionalism in relating to visitors and when being called in to a situation.”
When he returned from his service in Iraq, he left the Army National Guard to spend time with his wife and help raise his family. But even after having left the Army National Guard, military service began calling him again. After a six year hiatus, he joined the Naval Reserves in 2010.
“I was coaching my son’s baseball team,” he recalled, “and one of the fathers was a Navy recruiter. I talked with him about getting involved again and my wife gave me her blessing. She knows that service is a passion and she’s been nothing but encouraging and supportive.”
For Jason, “Veteran’s day is the time to honor those who’ve stepped up to the plate and committed themselves to defend this country and our freedoms– especially those who suffered injuries, mental and physical, and those who gave their lives.”
Jason now lives in Henrysburg, Ohio with his wife Cassie and his children Bria and Justin.
How do you remember our servicemen and women on Veteran’s day? Tell us in the comment box below or join the discussion on our Facebook page.
