Commission Members

Gary Jones is the President of the Licking County Veterans’ Service Commission representing the Vietnam Veterans’ of America. He served in the United States Navy from 1964-1969 and during that time served two tours in Vietnam. He is a Life Member of VVA Chapter 55, a member of the VFW Post #1060, a member of the Licking County Veterans’ Alliance, member of the Veterans Initiative Task Force & board member of the Agent Orange/Dioxin Committee. Gary has served on the commission since March 8, 2006.

 David P. Walz is the Vice-President represents The Military Order of the Purple Heart members on the Licking County Veterans’ Service Commission. He served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969. David completed basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, as well as A.I.T. at Fort Gordon, Georgia and Jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia. He served in Vietnam as a light weapons infantryman with the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment assigned to 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Some of his awards include 2 Purple Hearts, a Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal with V Device. After his military service in 1969 and retirement in 2001, he became a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 85, Veterans of Foreign War, Disabled American Veterans and The Military Order of the Purple Heart. David is our newest commissioner with his service beginning on January 1st, 2023.

 Paul R. Wilson is the Secretary of the Licking County Veterans’ Service Commission represents the DAV members on the Licking County Veterans’ Service Commission. He served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968 as a crew chief (left door gunner) on a UH1-H. He served in the Republic of Vietnam for 17 months assigned to MACV-SOG. He is a life member of the following organizations; DAV Robert L. Cox Chapter #23 (Current Adjutant), VVA Chapter #55 (current State Council Secretary), MOPH (Current Trustee) Chapter # 840, VFW (Past Adjutant) Chapter # 1060, Granville American Legion Chapter # 398, AMVETS Post 51, 170th AHC/52nd CAB, VHCMA and Special Operations Association. Nominated for Veteran of the year in 2008, Chapter #55 Veteran of 2008, Named Patriot of MOPA for 2016, and named 2016 Licking County Veteran of the Year. He retired as Supervising Chief Electrical Inspector for the State of Ohio and retired as Journeyman Inside Wireman IBEW #1105 Newark. Paul has served on the commission since January 1, 2017.

 Bernie Volpe represents the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1986 after over twenty-four years of service. He is a life member of the VFW Post #1060 where he serves as a Quartermaster. He is also a life member of the American Legion Post #85 (past executive board member), a life member of AMVETS Post #50, a life member of the Air Force Officers Association, member of the Moose Chapter #499, member of the Eagles, DAV (Service Officer) & local Red Cross Board of Directors. Bernie has served on the commission since January 1, 2006.

David Conner represents the American Legion on the Licking County Veterans’ Service Commission. He served in the U. S. Navy from 1973 to 1977. He served the first two years in the Ceremonial Guard in Washington DC. He served the next two years aboard the USS Ortolan ASR 22 in Norfolk Va. He is a life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 55, He serves as Vice Commander of American Legion Post 398 and is Commander of the Licking County Veterans Alliance. He was chosen as Licking County Veteran of the Year in 2015 and 2022. He joined the Commission in January 2025.