GREENVILLE – Ben Thaeler served as guest speaker at the monthly Darke County Republican Men’s Club on Saturday morning.
Thaeler, District Director for U.S. Congressman Warren Davidson (R-OH8), is a familiar face throughout Darke County. He and his wife, Sarah, are the parents of four young children—Wesley, Declan, Gianna, and Miriam—and with a schedule that keeps him constantly on the move, Thaeler brought his family along to Saturday’s gathering.
Following the program, Ben and Sarah shared their perspectives on balancing public service while raising a young family.
“The important thing is that the whole time I have known my wife, I’ve had this job,” Ben said. “My entire career has been the time we have known each other. So, from day one, she knew this was the life and career I wanted. It’s the heritage that I inherited from my family.”
He noted that public service runs deep in his family tree.
“My mom and dad are both teachers,” he continued. “My grandparents were missionaries in the Peace Corps, so service is part of my DNA. But on the other hand, it does take a toll, and you do have to take the time to be there for your family.”
Sarah spoke candidly about the challenges—and blessings—of supporting her husband’s role while caring for their children.
“It’s a challenge, it’s hard, but I am blessed to be home with them,” she said. “I was a high school English teacher, and I’m home now. It’s a huge blessing, and we are so proud of him.”
“I know Ben is fantastic at what he does,” she added. “He loves what he does, and if there is any way that he can make our government—all these different systems—work better, then he’s going to work really hard to do that. He does a phenomenal job, and I wouldn’t change anything.”
Although she is not able to attend every public function, Sarah said she appreciates opportunities to watch her husband at work.
“I love seeing him in his element,” she said. “I don’t get the opportunity a whole lot, so every time we get to come along, I am all for it, and I love it.”
Ben also highlighted the strong emphasis Congressman Davidson places on family balance within his staff.
“Congressman Davidson is an extremely fair and family-oriented employer,” he said. “He always encourages us to take time with our families and to prioritize them. When that comes from the leader of your organization, it encourages you to take that time to spend with them, and then you bring them along with you.”
He said he hopes his children will grow to understand the value of working wholeheartedly for something they believe in.
“They can inherit the same thing I inherited—that if you believe in something, you do everything you can. You commit all of your time to doing it. If it’s what you really believe, then it’s not an imposition on your family to bring them along, because this is what we’re all about.”
In closing, Ben was asked whether Congressman Davidson knows his family personally.
“He does know my family,” he said. “Congressman Davidson knows us very well. We spend a lot of time with Warren and Lisa. My son Declan had a dental procedure earlier this week, and Warren reached out to let me know he was praying for him. The next time I saw him, he asked how he was doing. He’s constantly thinking about family and asking about him and taking care of us.”
