Governor Mike DeWine helped induct 20 Ohioans as the newest members of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame in a ceremony held recently at The Ohio State University Fawcett Center. The nominees, including Ohio’s Hospice CEO, Kent Anderson, were honored for their outstanding post-military accomplishments. 

The 20-person class was presented with medals by Ohio Department of Veterans Services Director Deborah Ashenhurst.  

“It is a pleasure to induct another 20 incredible honorees into our Hall of Fame and to share their stories of service,” Ashenhurst said. “The impact these former military members have made and continue to make on their communities and beyond is inspirational and worthy of recognition.” 

DeWine made a special presentation honoring Kent and his fellow inductees. 

“As Governor, I am proud to welcome the Class of 2024 to the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame,” DeWine said. “The 20 exceptional Ohio Veterans we are celebrating today deserve our gratitude, not only for their service to our country in the Armed Forces, but for their enduring service to our communities and our state in their post-military lives. These individuals have dedicated their lives to helping others and are an inspiration to all of us every day.” 

Kent has dedicated more than 35 years of leadership and service in healthcare following a distinguished military career.  

After a tenure at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, he joined the U.S. Army, graduated as an honor student from flight school and became the youngest UH-60 Blackhawk pilot-in-command in Europe.  

In civilian life, Kent channeled his military discipline into healthcare leadership.  

As President and CEO of Ohio’s Hospice since 2010, he transformed a modest operation into a statewide beacon of hospice care, expanding services from 8 to over 60 counties.  

Under his guidance, Ohio’s Hospice now supports more than 2,000 patients daily and has help to launch population health and care management programs under the Pure Healthcare name and durable medical equipment and supply under the Innovative Care Solutions brand. 

Kent’s commitment to Veterans is evident through Veteran-focused hiring programs and the American Pride Veteran Care by Ohio’s Hospice^® program, which honors Veteran patients with recognition programs and connects Veterans benefits afforded to them from their years of service. A lifelong learner with an MBA in Healthcare Management and numerous certifications, Kent’s influence extends beyond healthcare into community service and Veteran advocacy.  

Kent has been recognized with numerous awards, including Executive of the Year and Operational Excellence honors. Kent’s career exemplifies servant leadership, combining strategic vision with a deep commitment to improving lives through healthcare and honoring those who served.  

Maj. Gen. John C. Harris, Jr. helped salute the members of the Class of 2024, that hails from 14 counties across Ohio and represents four branches of the United States Armed Forces – the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force.  

“Across Ohio, Veterans continue to serve our communities by making positive contributions, building stronger futures, and inspiring future generations,” Harris Jr. said. “The 20 Veterans inducted today are continuing to make Ohio a better place.” 

The 2024 Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Inductees: 

[Inductee, Branch, County] 
Kent Anderson, Army, Greene, Marshall P. Bahr, Army, Columbiana, Guion S. Bluford Jr., Air Force, Cuyahoga, Kenneth L. Bonnell, Army, Union, Michael W. Carrell, Air Force, Fairfield, Joseph Gary Fenderbosch, Army, Gallia, Jason M. Graven, Army, Wood, Billy M. Harris*, Marine Corps, Ashland, Edward P. Horvath Jr., Army/Navy, Cuyahoga, Richard D. Johnson, Air Force, Union, Adolph S. Klosowski, Army, Lake, Mark E. Landers, Army, Montgomery, David L. Levacy, Army, Fairfield, Franklin D. LeValley, Air Force, Clark, Anthony G. Massoud, Army, Montgomery, Robert A. McDonald, Army, Hamilton, JP Nauseef, Air Force, Montgomery, Brad R. Wenstrup, Army, Highland, JD Wetterling, Air Force, Warren, Gerold W. Wilkin, Army, Highland. 

* Posthumous Award