Veterans

In Madison County 7.4% are veterans. The official count in 2022 was 2,598.  Of that number approximately 830 are retired military.  There are no known WWII Vets remaining in the county. Korean War Vets will be over 90 years old. Of Vietnam Vets, above age 70.  The above flagged organizations are fraternal whose members are veterans. These organizations often have auxiliary units. For instance, spouses, children and grandchildren of veterans may join auxiliary units. Any veteran can belong to the American Legion or AmVets, but for the VFW, the member must have served in a combat zone. These organizations have requirements for National Guard, Reserves, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine eligibility.  All require a certain level of honorable service.  

The U.S. Armed forces have a shopping service called the exchange service. Military base stores are called BX (Base Exchange) or PX (Post Exchange). Each branch has different names for its use of the exchange service, The Army and Air Force Use the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), The Navy uses Navy Exchange Service Command (NEX), The Marine Corps uses the Marine Corps Exchange (MCX), and the Coast Guard uses Coast Guard Exchange (CGX). Veterans and eligible dependents can use on-base stores or an online service like Amazon (ShopMyExchange.com). The exchange service also has a credit card called MilitaryStar or StarCard. Anyone including dependents eligible for exchange privileges can be issued a StarCard. The exchange online stores are open to any veteran who had honorable service. The advantage is that these exchange online stores have no sales tax and provide free home delivery. This is particularly valuable for veterans who cannot travel to a base to shop. The nearest military units near Madison County that have shopping facilities are Wright-Patterson AFB in Fairborn, Rickenbacker National Guard Base in Groveport, and the Defense Supply Agency in Columbus. Most Reserve and National Guard units do not have shopping facilities.

Madison County Veterans can be seen at parades and funerals providing honor guards and funeral honors such as gun salutes. Veterans often are guest speakers at schools or volunteer at food pantries or other community organizations. They receive special recognition on Veterans Day and the 4th of July, often with free meals at local restaurants. Today in Madison County, veterans are thanked for their service. This has not always been the case. During the Vietnam War, veterans were often insulted. As we march in parades today, voices from the sides of the road, especially children thank us for our service. We see the same thing in school assemblies. These children restore our hope and confidence for the future of the United States. 

Many Madison County veterans receive medical assistance from the Veterans Administration, traveling to nearby facilities such as the VA hospitals in Dayton, Columbus, Grove City, and Chillicothe.  Military Retirees receive medical treatment for life at any medical facility, not just the VA.  Retired veterans receive free medicine for themselves and their spouses at base or post pharmacies. Most Madison County retirees go to Wright Patterson AFB or the VA. Our local medical facilities know to send prescriptions to our choice. Children of active duty military are eligible for medical care to age 21 or age 23 if in college, or can purchase a discounted coverage to age 26. Depending on certain qualifications, disabled dependents can receive medical care for life.

In Madison County, American Legion Posts are located in London, West Jefferson, and Mt Sterling.  A VFW post is in West Jefferson.  Vietnam Veterans alternate monthly meetings between the VFW in West Jefferson and the American Legion in London. There are no AmVets posts or DAV chapters in Madison County. There are posts and chapters in adjacent counties open to Madison County veterans. 

The Veterans Service Office in the County Courthouse, 1 N. Main St, in London, Ohio can help veterans find needed assistance such as making contacts or completing or filing forms. Hours are Monday through Friday 8 to 4.