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NEW CUMBERLAND -- A local Vietnam War veteran was recognized Thursday by the Hancock County Commission for his years of service.
During its meeting, the Commission approved and presented a proclamation honoring Platoon Sergeant E-5 George E. Ash Sr. for his service with the United States Army, which spanned six-plus years.
According to the proclamation, Ash enlisted into the U.S. Army in August 1967, and following basic training in Fort Gordon, Ga., and Fort Dix, N.J., he was transferred to an Army Transportation Unit in Stuttgart, Germany.
He re-enlisted in January 1969 and was deployed to the Republic of Vietnam and transferred to the 101st Airborne Division at Camp Eagle near the demilitarized zone. He was then assigned to Company A, 101st Aviation Battalion and later to a Huey assault helicopter unit.
Ash served two tours of Vietnam, promoted from Private E-2 to Sergeant E-5, and then becoming a Flight Platoon Sergeant in charge of around 20 men and 10 helicopters.
During his two tours, he received multiple honors, which included the Bronze Star Medal, 12 Battle Stars (one for each major battle fought), the Air Medal with seven gold leaf clusters (each leaf represented 25 hours in combat flying status), two Army Commendation Medals and Unit Presidential Citation.
After leaving Vietnam in November 1970, he served for another three-plus years before he was honorably discharged in April 1974, having served a total of six years, nine months and three days on active duty.
Ash asked those in attendance to recognize his fellow servicemen and women, as well.
"I just want to remind everyone that this month is Vietnam Veterans Month, so if you see a Vietnam veteran, thank him for his service, or hers," Ash said.
Ash was originally scheduled to accept the proclamation during the March 1 meeting, but was unable to attend due to illness.
In other business:
-- Three financial support requests were presented to the commission, two of which were approved with donations. Those receiving donations were the Weirton Christian Center for its Building Project and the Hancock County Oldtime Fair to handle bills. Each received $5,000 from the commission. The other request, which came from the Weirton United Way for its 2017 campaign, was made a matter of record.
-- The commission accepted the resignation of Donald Heltebran as a member of the Oak Public Service District Board of Directors. Commissioner Jeff Davis stated Heltebran requested to step down so he can take care of his wife who is battling health problems at this time. As a result, the commission will be advertising and accepting names of those interested in the position. Applicants must resident in the Oakland PSD.
The commission is also accepting names of those interested in serving on the Hancock County Board of Health. Prospective candidates must reside in either the Clay or Grant districts, as the Butler District already has two board members and can not have any additional members.
Deadline to apply for both positions is March 30. More information is available on the Commission's website.
--The commission will hold a special meeting 9 a.m. March 26 for the purpose of starting the budget process for the upcoming fiscal year.