# DSCC commander honors Central Ohio fallen, calls on community to ‘invest in each other’ 

/ Published June 2, 2023
COLUMBUS, Ohio, 
Droves of Bexley families and guests crowded into Drexel Circle on Memorial Day to remember the city’s men and women who gave their lives in the line of duty and to pay tribute to the loved ones they left behind.

The event, held at the community’s World War II Memorial, featured keynote speaker Army Brig. Gen. Gail Atkins, commander of the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime and Defense Supply Center Columbus.

The Bexley Police Honor Guard kicked off the event with the presentation of the colors while Bexley vocalist Jordan Westin sang a powerful rendition of the National Anthem. Following the posting of the colors, Bexley Mayor Ben Kessler welcomed guests and dignitaries in attendance and provided a brief history on the Drexel Circle site’s military roots as a Spanish-American War encampment. Kessler concluded his opening remarks and welcomed Atkins to the podium feet away from the stone memorial engraved with the names of hundreds of Bexley veterans.

“We are here today to honor the men and women who gave their lives to secure our way of life,” Atkins said. “As we stand in the shadow of this solemn obelisk, we are called to reflect on the patriotism and service of our Bexley community members who served in World War II – not just in uniform, but also as volunteers rising to the call of service to something greater than themselves, to do something for their fellow citizens.”

In a speech highlighting selfless service, Atkins recounted stories of Bexley’s fallen from ‘The Great War’ up to more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Private Walter Reuter – who remains missing in action – is among the many names depicted on the city’s memorial.

“Walter answered his nation’s call to service when he enlisted in the U.S. Army on January 15, 1944, and deployed three months later to serve in the 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in the European Theater,” Atkins explained. “Less than six months into his deployment, Private Reuter and three of his fellow infantrymen came under heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire during the Battle of the Hurtgen Forest in Germany. At the end of the intense fighting, all four men were lost, reported as missing in action in October of 1944.”

Attempts to recover their remains were unsuccessful and Reuter’s wife received a letter in 1952 stating that her husband’s remains were never found. Fifty-nine years later, in May of 2010, a mission led by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency uncovered his identification tag and returned it to his son, and namesake, Walter Reuter III.

“Though Private Reuter remains unaccounted for, our country will never forget his service...a man who served selflessly, who gave everything, to ensure we could stand here today free,” Atkins said. 

Other names recounted and memorialized include Joan and Howard Samuel – Howard, of Bexley, served as a “hump” pilot during World War II flying supplies between India and China, and Joan reported to Norfolk, Virginia, to volunteer with the Red Cross during the war effort, caring for servicemembers and their families.

Four fallen classmates from Bexley High School’s graduating class of 1940 were also remembered: Richard Wayne Black, Charles Gordon Bolon, James Pettit and James Walkey. 

“Though we may not know them personally, we can draw a deeper connection to their service by sharing their stories with each other today to do our part to ensure their stories pass down from generation to generation to inspire service in tomorrow’s community members.”

Atkins then expanded the scope to recognize Central Ohioans lost in more recent conflicts. Among them were three members of the Ohio Army National Guard’s 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team that gave their lives in service on April 4, 2012, in Afghanistan: Captain Nicholas Rozanski of Dublin, Master Sergeant Shawn Hannon of Grove City and Master Sergeant Jeffrey Rieck of Columbus. Rozanski was a member of the DLA family prior to his deployment.

“What all these men and women epitomized is a common commitment to service,” she said. “This is not an outdated concept. It is a core principle that makes our society, our community and our nation different. Their legacy of selfless service is a continual reminder that freedom isn’t free and cannot be taken for granted.” 

Rounding out her address, Atkins challenged attendees with a renewed call to service and urged them to commit to fostering that culture within their communities, driving positive change for the greater good.

“[It] can take so many forms...whether in a formal service program that supports your local, state or federal community; but also, in our everyday opportunities to serve each other.  I challenge each of you today to reach out to someone you do not know – extend a smile, extend a hand, expand your heart. And I pray we can all reflect on our personal obligation to invest in each other.” 

Following Atkins’ remarks, the commander and Bexley mayor conducted the ceremonial wreath laying at the World War II memorial. The event concluded with the solemn playing of Taps performed by Bexley High School trumpeter Henry Greentree.