A West Liberty resident who has dedicated his life to service of his community and his country in a variety of roles — as a U.S. Navy service member during the Vietnam War, a 25-year volunteer EMT worker, 40-year CPR instructor, and a former West Liberty Village Council member — was honored Thursday, May 18, by the Logan County Commissioners with their monthly veteran flag tribute that began earlier this year.
Longtime West Liberty resident Larry Lance, accompanied by his wife of 40 years, Norma, was presented with a U.S. flag that had flown over the Logan County Courthouse during April by Commissioner Michael Yoder.
“It’s humbling, and it shows that people really do care,” Lance said, who was joined at the ceremony by a number of friends and former colleagues, including West Liberty Mayor Jill McKelvey and Shelley Kneece director of Logan County Veteran’s Service Office, where he was previously employed for 12 years.
“When we returned from Vietnam, we weren’t always welcomed back, so this really helps to make up for that.”
Yoder said the new program is a way to repurpose the flags flown over the courthouse, to keep them in good condition, and most importantly, to bring recognition to the accomplishments of veterans living in our community. The commissioners are partnering with the Logan County Veteran’s Service Office to locate recipients each month to receive the U.S. flag honor.
“We’re delighted to honor Larry today and to honor Logan County citizens on a monthly basis,” fellow Commissioner Joe Antram said.
“You’re not only a dedicated service member, you’re a hero to our community as well,” McKelvey said, noting his longtime service to the West Liberty Village Council, including for a number of years as president of the council.
“Larry helped to train our staff at the Logan County Veteran’s Service Office,” Kneece said. “He’s an amazing individual and I’m proud to be his friend, too.”
A 1966 West Liberty-Salem High School graduate who is a native of Ashland, Lance said he enlisted into the U.S. Navy on Aug. 25, 1966, and was stationed on the USS America in Norfolk, Va.
“It was an experience like no other,” he said of serving in the Navy. “It was a lovely way to see the world. It’s a part of my life that I’ll never forget.”
Lance served on two tours to Vietnam during that time, “crossing the equator numerous times,” he noted.
His travels in the Navy also took him to the Mediterranean, where he saw the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, and continued to Istanbul, Turkey. He also spent time in Japan.
The National Defense Service Medal honoree, who also received the Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal, was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1970 as a third class boilerman.
Not long after his service in the Navy, Lance said he joined the Ohio National Guard in March of 1976, and his combined military service totals just over 18 years. When he retired from the Ohio National Guard, the West Liberty resident was commissioned as a staff sergeant communications chief.
Just prior to joining the Ohio National Guard, Lance also attended emergency medical technician schooling in 1975 and then became a volunteer squad member in West Liberty for about 25 years.
In addition to working at several area companies throughout the years to support his family, the honored veteran also served as a travel coordinator and investigator with the Logan County Veteran’s Service Office, retiring in 2014, he noted.
A number of county officials in attendance extended their appreciation to Lance as well.
“You always brought joy to everyone when you were in office,” Logan County Treasurer Rhonda Stafford told Lance. “You are very much missed.”
“We extend not just our thanks to you, but our heartfelt appreciation for your service,” Sheriff Randy Dodds said, also thanking Lance for keeping he and his staff informed of the Mad River Masonic Lodge’s delicious prime rib meals and other dinners.
In addition to Lance’s service with the Masons, he also is involved locally with the Top of Ohio Mended Hearts Chapter and volunteers with the Logan County Vets to D.C. He related that he was privileged to be among the first group of veterans to visit the nation’s capital together.