Jim Ayers resigns from Coshocton County Veterans Commission
COSHOCTON – Jim Ayers, a veteran of the Korean War who has served on the Coshocton County Veterans Commission since 2000 has resigned from his position after completing his third five-year term.
He attended his last meeting on Thursday, Jan. 8 and plans to enjoy his retirement.
“It’s been a pleasure and an honor to work with this Commission,” said Ayers, a resident of Coshocton. As one of five members on the board, Ayers represented the Coshocton American Legion Post #65.
Gary Kilpatrick of Warsaw was appointed by Common Pleas Court Judge Robert Batchelor to replace Ayers and begins his duties at the Jan. 22 meeting. Kilpatrick represents the Warsaw American Legion Post #628 and will serve a five-year term.
Current president Jack Patterson acknowledged Ayers’ contributions to the Commission and his service to the veterans of Coshocton County.
“I’ve enjoyed working with Jim and he’s done a wonderful job,” Patterson said. “I appreciate everything he has done.”
Ayers served in the United States Air Force between March 1951 and October 1953 and was assigned to the 4915th Installation Squadron.
“I loved the job, I really did,” Ayers said. “I learned quite a bit over the 13-plus years and it was very gratifying. I wish I could’ve stayed on longer but I was getting to the age where I felt that some younger blood and new ideas was needed. It truly was one of the best experiences I ever had.”
Ayers is also a member of the Coshocton County Veterans Honor Guard, attending 740 military funerals through the end of 2014.
Kilpatrick served in the United States Army in 1968 and 1969 and was assigned to A Company of the 124th Signal Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division as a Radio Teletype Operator.
“I always wanted to help veterans,” said Kilpatrick. “After teaching school for 35 years I became a member of the Honor Guard and enjoy helping out anyway I can and this is just another golden opportunity to help veterans who are in need of different services.”
He joins fellow Commission members Jack Patterson (VFW), Jerry Green (DAV), Bob Jones (Korean War Veterans Assn.) and David Dilly (AMVETS).
“I get a tremendous amount of satisfaction from helping our veterans meet their shelter, food, utility and health needs and want to continue helping those returning veterans as they re-enter their family lives and workforce,” Kilpatrick said. “I want to encourage them and let them know we are here to assist them in receiving any benefits due to them.”
The Commission meets in the Veterans Service Office the first and third Thursday of each month at 4 p.m.
Category: People & Places
