Retired Master Sergeant Urges Committee to Advance HB 576 to Broaden Veterans Recognition

Retired Master Sergeant Greg White urged the House Veterans and Military Development Committee on Friday to advance House Bill 576, saying the proposal "is not about money," but about teaching future generations and honoring veterans. White, who served more than 30 years in the U.S. Air Force and Ohio Air National Guard, asked the committee to pass the bill before May 1, 2026.

"This bill is not about money," White told committee members. "It's about educating the next generations. It's about respect. It's about giving honor to those who gave and those who gave all." He also noted that "Ohio has over 7,000 veterans currently residing in our great state." White referenced State Representative Vern MacLean as having already given sponsor testimony in support of the measure and said written testimony from Jacob Brault was available to members.

White framed HB 576 as part of a broader cultural effort, saying many other groups receive a month of recognition while veterans typically receive a single day of public observance. He described the proposal as a nonpartisan effort "to give full support to House Bill 576" and to ensure that veterans' service is taught and remembered.

Representative Willis, speaking after White’s testimony, placed the bill in the context of a long-term strategy to make Ohio the "veteran state," arguing symbolic recognitions and veteran-focused policies contribute to preserving military assets and community ties when decisions such as base realignment are considered.

The committee did not vote on the bill during the session; the chair noted the second hearing on HB 576 concluded after members reviewed written testimony and heard the proponent’s remarks. The committee also recorded that additional written testimony is available on members' tablets.

What’s next: The hearing on HB 576 was closed; the bill’s future action (committee vote or floor scheduling) was not recorded in this session.