Columbus —With more than 300 former military members in attendance on Aug. 3, the Ohio Veterans Conference brought together men and women from all sectors of the state representing multiple branches of service and eras. The biennial event – organized and sponsored by the Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS) – was held at the Ohio Union on the campus of The Ohio State University in Columbus and availed veterans and their supporters to key resources, inspirational speakers, informative breakout sessions, and networking opportunities.
Approximately 120 exhibitors were spread throughout the Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom and other parts of the Union including representatives of the U.S.Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) who connected veterans to federal benefits and provided a multifaceted approach to veteran whole health. Also present was a miniature horse and trainer from Stockhands Horses for Healing, a veteran-owned nonprofit that specializes in equine therapy.
Especially popular and well-received was the address of Brigadier General (U.S. Army, retired) Dr. Rhonda Cornum, an Operation Desert Storm veteran and former POW who shared her amazing military experiences with positivity, wit, and wisdom. A leading authority on Psychological Fitness and Resilience, Dr. Cornum is the first-ever Director of the Army's Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Initiative.
Another hit during the lunchtime program was the musical performance of the Austintown (Ohio) Fitch Concert Choir, which received a standing ovation after performing several patriotic songs and venturing into the crowd to shake the hands of former service members.
And women veterans certainly made their presence known. Along with Dr. Cornum and Director Ashenhurst, a retired Major General of the U.S. Army, Air Force veteran Samantha Erickson of ODVS also took to the stage as emcee. Ohio is home to approximately 67,000 women veterans, which is why the conference included a Women Veterans Health, Empowerment, Restoration & Relaxation (HER) Room and several breakout sessions specific to the needs and interests of women who served.
In short, the all-day event was heartfelt and memorable for many — and several attendees vowed to return in 2026.
"The 2024 Ohio Veterans Conference was a tremendous success," said ODVS Director Deborah Ashenhurst. "Veterans from all services and many eras took advantage of the plethora of resources, exhibitors, and breakout sessions. The day was filled with everything from a motivational performance by the Fitch High School Concert Choir and inspirational remarks from Dr. Cornum to a special pinning ceremony for our Vietnam veterans. I believe every veteran who attended not only learned something new, but left feeling appreciated for their service to their country."
The breakouts allowed attendees to listen to several subject matter experts on topics such as healthcare, financial wellness, taxation benefits, and updates on legislation that affects veterans and military families.
One of the liveliest sessions occurred in the afternoon as State Senator Hearcel Craig (D-Columbus) and State Representative Bernard Willis (R-Springfield) addressed a packed Senate Chamber room at the Union and handled several questions about pending or potential legislation centered around veterans.
Willis, who represents Ohio's 74th House District, is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and was a longtime military pilot before entering public service. Senator Craig serves the 15th District of the state and served in the U.S. Army from 1970-72. Director Ashenhurst pinned Senator Craig following the session to recognize his service during the Vietnam War.
To learn much more about the Ohio Veterans Conference, you can ...
- Check out our Flickr album featuring 75 photos from the day.
- Watch our On the Road video summarizing the event.
- Look through the official program/flipbook with more info on breakouts and speakers.
Under the guidance of Director Ashenhurst and the support of Governor Mike DeWine, the conference has grown to include both men and women of service and an even wider array of veteran-friendly organizations, businesses, nonprofits, and state agencies to engage veterans during the daylong expo and resource fair.
Those in attendance had ample opportunity to meet with veteran organizations regarding federal and state benefits at the expo, obtain a veteran ID card, network at the education and career expo, have their resume reviewed by a human resources specialist, find out how to support veteran-owned businesses, and participate in VA whole health activities like yoga and crafting.
Ohio is home to nearly 700,000 veterans and currently ranks sixth nationally among all states in terms of veteran population. Stay tuned to OhioVets.gov for more information about upcoming events.
