Fourth of July Freedom
Hometown Heroes
Let the celebrations begin (if they haven’t already)! Tomorrow is Independence Day! Backyard barbeques, sunshine, swimming, town parades, and endless fireworks all sum up a perfect American holiday. Our country was founded on the desire for freedom from a tyrannical British government. Freedom did not come easy, and still doesn’t today.
Our community has had the great privilege of being home to many men and women who formerly or actively serve in the United State Military. As a way to recognize them, Main Street Greeenville recently added light post banners of many of the men and women serving. This program, appropriately titled Hometown Heroes, is filled with the faces of those who have sacrificed so much to be able to keep our country safe.
Crysta Hutchinson of Main Street Greenville put this plan in motion over a year ago. She had seen similar support from other communities and decided it would be perfect for our own downtown community. She set the applications in place and responses came rolling in! Crysta got to work directly with the families and loved one of current military men and veterans. Here is the story of one of them:
Sacrifice on the Battlefield
Kenton Stacy grew up right here in Greenville, Ohio. Last year he was on deployment as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy. On November 4, 2017 Stacy was hit by improvised explosive device (IED). He miraculously lived thanks to the constant care of his fellow crewmen. They kept him alive long enough for emergency responses to take over.
Stacy is now a quadriplegic and stays in Houston to receive constant medical treatment. What has happened to him is tragic, yet he is defying the odds with inspiring hope. Stacy has a loving family and support system from all over the country praying for him, raising awareness, and donating money.
Thank You All
Not everyone in the military has such a drastic experience, but each of them sacrifice something for our freedom. This 4th of July, Huntington Outdoor would like to thank every single one of our local men and women who have served or continue to serve. Each of them has made a sacrifice for our freedom. Here is a complete list.
| Addison Griffith | US Air Force | Active |
| Alexander James Thomas | US Marine Corps | 2014-Present |
| Brian Stephan | US Navy | 1998-2003 |
| Caleb Oda | US Army | 2017-Present |
| Elijah Woodworth | US Navy | 2017- Present |
| Eriel Valdes | US Army | 2007-2009 |
| Ernie Lee | US Marine Corps | 1970 – 1976 |
| Floyd Gilpin | US Army | 1942-1945 |
| Gary W. Hudson | US Marine Corps | 1969-1975 |
| Gaylen Blosser | US Army | 1966-1968 |
| Gerald Greendyke | US Army | 1961-1968 |
| Gerald Greer | US Army | 1951-1952 |
| Harold E. Townsend | US Army | 1941-1945 |
| Jack A. Harless | US Navy | 1943-1946 |
| Jennifer Mitchell | US Army | 1991-Present |
| Jess Ryan | US Marine Corps | 2001-2006 |
| John A. Bain | US Army | 1967-1970 |
| John G. Garland | US Marine Corps | 1980-1983 |
| Joseph Desjardins | US Army | 1979-Present |
| Joseph Sowers | US Army | 1999-2015 |
| Kenton Stacy | US Navy | 2005-Present |
| Robert T. Olwine | US Army | 1951-1952 |
| Rodney E. Saylor | US Marine Corps | 1967 – 1970 |
| Ronald Jay Hahn | US Army | 1965-1967 |
| Ryan Berry | US Air Force | 1986-1990 |
| Steven Stebbins | US Army | 1967-1969 |
| Tannier Reed | US Army | 2016-2018 |
| Terry W. Gilpin | US Air Force | 1966-1970 |
| Thomas H. Scantland | US Marine Corps | 2017-Present |
| Thomas R. Hess Sr. | US Army | 1948-1952 |
We would also like to thank Main Street Greenville for their decision to use our downtown as a place to not only shop, but bring our community closer together.
