Cothran appointed to Darke County Veterans Services Commission

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The Honorable Darke County Common Pleas Court Judge, Travis L. Fliehman (R) swears in newly appointed Darke County Veterans Services Commissioner Wesley Cothran (L) while Darke County bailiff Chip Roberts (center) holds the Bible. (Gaylen Blosser photo)

GREENVILLE – US Air Force Reserve Veteran Wesley Cothran was appointed to a five-year term as a Darke County Veterans Services Commissioner beginning January 1, 2025.

Cothran, an Ansonia American Legion Post 353 member, served from 2012 to 2018 in the Air Force Reserves as a heavy equipment operator with the Red Horse Squadron and was deployed overseas twice.

“I want to represent some of the younger veterans in our area, support them, and be there for them,” Cothran said. “I feel like some of the younger veterans are lost. It is something I dealt with a little bit when I got out of the military and tried to rejoin society.”

The Honorable Darke County Common Pleas Court Judge, Travis L. Fliehman swore in Cothran on Monday afternoon at the Darke County Court House.

“The Veterans Service Commission does a great job here in Darke County,” said Judge Fliehman. “Their five-member board represents all the various veteran’s organizations throughout Darke County.”

“Wesley is one of those active young members who will bring new ideas and connections to some individuals who may have served in more recent conflicts and wars within our military.”

“We had six applicants,“ Judge Fliehman noted. “Every year I am impressed with the number of people who want to serve on the commission who are active in their local posts, and I admire many retired but active service people from a standpoint they want to continue to give back and keep that comradery that they had in the service and they continue to have while they’re serving after the fact.”

The Darke County Veterans Service Commission is a five-member board appointed under the provisions of Title 59 of the Ohio Revised Code. Each member is appointed by the Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Darke County for a five-year term.

Each commissioner is appointed to represent a specific veteran’s organization in our county. The current commissioners represent the American Legion, DAV, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and one at-large member. Although their appointment is from a specific organization, they represent all Darke County Veterans and their families.

The Commission oversees the operation of the Darke County Veterans Service Office. It is responsible for ensuring that veterans and their eligible family members receive all federal, state, and local benefits to which they may be entitled.

“We want to welcome Wesley to the Darke County Veterans Service Commission and look forward to working with him,” said DCVS Director/CVSO Thomas Pitman.