
GREENVILLE – On Tuesday evening The Pohl Group & The Project-Survive Foundation hosted a recognition dinner for Veterans serving as educators.
The Pohl Group, LLC, is made up of workplace violence prevention and response experts from the FBI and DoD. It is a veteran-owned and operated company that strives to meet the public’s security goals.
Mark Pohl is the Founder and President of The Pohl Group. He is a retired special agent with the Department of Defense for 25 years with 14 years being with the FBI. Ken Wall is the Executive Vice President of The Pohl Group and provides resources and a foundation. He is a retired Former FBI after 25 years. Wendy Surikov was also in attendance and is on the Board of Directors and is an attorney and provides her guidance for the foundation. She was a former FBI as well and retired after 25 years.

“We do a lot of work in the community, dealing with violence prevention preparedness. We work in local schools. We do everything from the prevention piece, working with superintendents on how to work with teachers and administration to prevent violent things, and also the response piece,” said Pohl.
Local Veteran, Gaylen Blosser was invited to speak for the evening. Blosser is a Veterans Services Commissioner for the state of Ohio representing the VFW for Darke County. He was in the United States Army from 1968-1970 and served in the Vietnam War from 1969-1970 in which he served as a teenager. He was an 11-B-10 Combat Infantry Soldier. He served with Alpha Company, Battalion, 46th Infantry, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, 23rd Infantry Division Vietnam.
He’s been awarded numerous medals, including a Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge (CIB), Presidential Unit Citations, Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Expert Badge with Rifle and M-60 Machine Gun Bar, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.
“Veterans of the classroom, we acknowledge your contribution to our community, not just as teachers, but as warriors on the frontlines of knowledge, shaping young minds and building the future of our nation,” said Blosser.
“You have led from the front lines, guiding your students through academic challenges, fostering critical thinking, and empowering them to become confident, responsible citizens – a testament to your leadership qualities,” continued Blosser.
“You are the true heroes of our educational system, and we are deeply grateful for your unwavering commitment to shaping the minds of our future leaders.”
A meal was provided for those in attendance from Mission BBQ. Veterans in attendance shared their experiences both in the military and the classroom. The evening was complete with fellowship as others shared their experiences with each other.