COLUMBUS — State Representative Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) was named Ohio State Legislator of the Year on Saturday night at a dinner in Sugarcreek by the Vietnam Veterans of America Buckeye State Council. Johnson was chosen for his military service and his work as chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. He was presented with a plaque honoring his service by Thomas Burke, President of the VVA Buckeye State Council.

“Terry was a key legislator in passing critical issues to Vietnam veterans throughout the state of Ohio” said Burke. “His efforts on behalf of all veterans in the state had not gone unnoticed by the Buckeye State Council.”

“I am deeply humbled to receive this award,” said Johnson. “The Vietnam Veterans of America is a wonderful organization so to be recognized by them is an honor. Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another is their founding principle, and we strive to follow that to the best of our abilities on the Veterans Affairs Committee.”

One bill of particular significance to the Buckeye State Council was Senate Bill 134 designating March 30 as Vietnam Veterans Day in the state of Ohio. This bill had been introduced in the previous two General Assemblies, but never made it into law. Senate Bill 134, which came through the House Veterans Affairs Committee, was signed by Governor Kasich on March 30 of this year. It had an emergency clause ensuring it went into effect immediately.

“Remembering and honoring our Vietnam veterans with this special day has been too long in coming,” said Johnson. “And I would be remiss if I did not thank my wonderful committee members on both sides of the aisle for their efforts and passion for Ohio’s veterans that they bring to each and every committee meeting. They are all strong veterans’ advocates, and I am very blessed to serve with them.”