On Friday, November 11, Countryside YMCA will give back to veterans by honoring all the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces at the Veteran’s Day event. This event is free and open to the community and is held at the Y’s Lebanon location; The program begins at noon, followed by lunch at 1:00 pm.

Since the Civil War, the Y has provided services to the military, and they continue to support military members and their families. On Monday, November 11, Countryside YMCA will give back to veterans by honoring all the men and women who have served in the US armed forces at the Veteran's Day event.

This event is free and open to the community. We especially welcome veterans, their spouses, and their children. The program, held at the Y's Lebanon location,  will begin at noon, followed by lunch at 1:00 pm. Julie Fennessey, Director of the Countryside YMCA Stolle Center, said, "We hold this program annually to honor all our veterans and to recognize our local heroes." The event averages 400 attendance and is a complete military protocol program.

The guest speaker is Jerry Ferris. Jerry served eight (8) years of active duty in the United States Marine Corps. He is a Hollywood Marine who graduated from MCRD San Diego in 1967. He served from 1967 to 1975. Jerry served two tours of duty in Vietnam from December 1967 to July 1969. He is the recipient of three (3) Purple Heart Medals, The Bronze Star with a "V" device, a Combat Action Ribbon, a Navy Commendation, and many other service awards. In addition, Jerry achieved the rank of E-6 Staff Sargent. Jerry also served in the Philippines, Guam, and Okinawa and as the NCOIC at the American Embassy in San Salvador, El Salvador.

 

Jerry is a former State of Ohio Commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart, 2018-2019, and the President of the Warren County Ohio Veterans Services Commissioners. In addition, Jerry currently holds many honorable positions; here are a few:

  • - He is presently serving his eighth year as a member of the Warren County Veterans Service Commission
  • - Fisher House Fundraising for the Dayton VA.
  • - Past Department Commander for the Military Order of the Purple Hearts for the State of Ohio, 2018-2019
  • - Advisory Board for National Veterans Memorial Museum
  • - Advisory Board for Tapestry of Springboro, Ohio
  • - Mayor's Advisory Board for Diversity in Springboro, Ohio
  • - Commander of the Department of Ohio Purple Heart Honor Guard
  • - County Service Officer for American Legion for Warren County, Ohio
  • - Volunteer for Hospice of Dayton; Butler, and Warren Counties, and for Middletown, Ohio
  • - Currently serving on the City of Springboro's Board of Zoning Appeals
  • - Jerry retired from Armco Steel Company/AK Steel after 26 years in Sales and Management. She was retired from AT&T after four years as Sales Manager.
  • - Jerry is married to his sweetheart, Darlene Kathryn, who was a blind date. They celebrated their 48th anniversary on June 15, 2022. They have one son, Rodney, Daughter-In-Law, Shevon, and three fantastic grandchildren; Hudson, 10, Cruz, 8, and Olive, 6.

Little Miami Select Concert choir will provide entertainment by performing a repertoire of patriotic songs.

The Little Miami High School JROTC will present the Colors, and the Warren County Sheriff's Department Honor Guard, Pipe, and Drum Corps will give a 21-gun salute. In addition, there will be a moment of silence to remember all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action. The Lebanon High School Jazz Band will provide the music.

Complimentary boxed lunches will be provided following the ceremony. Also, enjoy the very popular dessert table!

 

Reservations are not required. For more information, contact Julie Fennessey at 513 932 1424 ext. 148.