Columbus Grove native Sgt. Maj. Justin LeHew, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, has been named to the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The announcement was made Monday by Governor Mike Dewine and Ohio Department of Veterans Services director John Harris Jr., recognizing LeHew's significant contributions both during and after his extensive military service. He is one of 20 individuals slated for induction this year, each honored for their continued dedication and impact on their communities following their time in uniform.
The 35th annual induction ceremony for the new class is set for Thursday, Nov. 12, at 10 a.m. The event will take place at the Ohio Union building, located at 1739 N. High St. in Columbus. According to a press release from the Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS), the Class of 2026 is diverse, representing 14 Ohio counties and four branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Inductees are specifically recognized for their post-military accomplishments and achievements, marking a lifetime of service that extends beyond their active duty.
Sgt. Maj. LeHew's military career began with recruitment training in July 1988. He has since served with distinction, assuming his current post in August 2013. Throughout his service, LeHew has participated in numerous combat operations. These included deployments in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Provide Promise and Deny Flight in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The ODVS release indicates he also participated in "several others" significant operations, underscoring his extensive frontline experience with the Marine Corps.
Governor Mike Dewine expressed his sincere appreciation for Sgt. Maj. LeHew and all the inductees, highlighting their unwavering commitment. Governor Dewine congratulated each honoree, acknowledging their honorable service to the country and their continued "commitment to service, leadership and community." He further stated that their efforts to improve the lives of others continue to strengthen Ohio and serve as an inspiration to all. The Governor concluded by thanking them for their contributions and lifetime of service to others.
The Class of 2026 will join 1,014 Ohio veterans who have been inducted into the Veterans Hall of Fame, according to the Ohio Department of Veterans Services. This year marks the 35th annual induction cycle, continuously honoring veterans who have significantly impacted their communities after leaving active duty. All members of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame are permanently recognized through a public display. This display is located at the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts, situated at 77 S. High St. in Columbus, serving as an ongoing tribute to their legacies.
