Military/Veterans Education Foundation (MILVETS)

About Ohio Milvets

At Milvets, we are dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans. Our mission is to foster a sense of patriotism and community through various initiatives and events. We believe in the power of unity and the importance of remembering those who have served our country.

We have sponsored public discussions, panels, lectures, displays, parades, military bands, sports and other patriotic events and observances since 1987 to promote public awareness of the military and Veterans and their prominent role in history and in the nation’s future. We are a volunteer staff and 100% of contributions go to support Veterans’ activities.

MILVETS is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization; funded 100% from private donations; there are no endowments or trust funds.

Military/Veterans Education Foundation (MILVETS)

About Ohio Milvets

At Milvets, we are dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans. Our mission is to foster a sense of patriotism and community through various initiatives and events. We believe in the power of unity and the importance of remembering those who have served our country.

We have sponsored public discussions, panels, lectures, displays, parades, military bands, sports and other patriotic events and observances since 1987 to promote public awareness of the military and Veterans and their prominent role in history and in the nation’s future. We are a volunteer staff and 100% of contributions go to support Veterans’ activities.

MILVETS is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization; funded 100% from private donations; there are no endowments or trust funds.

Ohio Milvets Board of Trustees

Beverly Staten
Co-President

Carrie Killingsworth
Co-President

Mary Carducci
Vice President

Ralph Veppert
Secretary

David Veppert
Treasurer


Merle Pratt
Trustee

Hall of Fame Honoree

Anna Clendenen
Trustee

Pete Zoretic
Trustee


Jane Lengel
Trustee

Hall of Fame Honoree


Carl Swisher
Trustee

Hall of Fame Honoree

Ben Klepek
Trustee

Harold Rowland
Trustee


John Dreska
Trustee

Hall of Fame Honoree


Rick Isbell
Trustee

Hall of Fame Honoree

Tom Ellis
Trustee

Military/Veterans Education Foundation (MILVETS)

Ohio Milvets Initiatives

MILVETS coordinates with all Armed Services and all Central Ohio Veterans’ organizations. On a small bedget MILVETS Seek volunteer units for the parade. Coordinates with local, high school bands. Use active-duty armed service resources (e.g., color guards, fly-overs, etc.)

The Military/Veterans Education Foundation’s focus is on honoring those who served and are serving, and on educating the public in Central Ohio.

Columbus Veterans Day Rally

The sole purpose of Columbus Veterans Day Rally is to honor the service of our veterans and to salute our currently serving military. It is a non-partisan, non-political event, and may not be used as a platform for any other purpose or political agenda.

MILVET Scholarship

The MILVETS Ron Rosser, SROTC, and JROTC Scholarships are awarded at the Armed Forces Day Lunch (usually the Friday before the third Saturday of the month of May). The amounts are $5,000, $2,500 and $2,500, respectively.

Armed Forces Day Luncheon

Armed Forces Day luncheon in May to honor our active duty armed services personal and ROTC students. Each year we pick a military branch to honor with a keynote speaker from that branch of service.  We select in order; Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force. 

Columbus Veterans Day Rally 2024

Any individual or group that attempts to use the rally as a forum for any purpose other than that stated above will be denied participation.

 

  • The Veterans Day Rally in downtown Columbus in November
  • The MilVets’ Columbus rally is one of 25 regional sites designated by the Veterans Day National Committee of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • Each year we have a rally theme, such as the anniversary of a military event or of a military unit
  • Educational scholarship to the families of Central Ohio service men and women killed in the service of our country and to qualified dependents of veterans and active-duty military personnel.

Milvet Scholarship

May 2025

The MILVETS Ron Rosser, SROTC, and JROTC Scholarships are awarded at the Armed Forces Day Lunch (usually the Friday before the third Saturday of the month of May). The amounts are $5,000, $2,500 and $2,500, respectively. Additionally, during the Columbus Veterans Day Parade, the Q-FM Red, White and Q Fund Scholarship of $5,000, plus two awards of $2,500, are presented to deserving veterans and/or their family members. Deadline for the Armed Forces Day Luncheon Scholarships.

MILVETS provides for up to 11 – $1,000 Scholarships a year

  • 6 for JROTC and ROTC students
  • 5 for Veterans and their Children/Grandchildren

Armed Forces Day Luncheon

May 2025

  • Armed Forces Day luncheon in May to honor our active duty armed services personal and ROTC students
  • Each year we pick a military branch to honor with a keynote speaker from that branch of service.  We select in order; Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force.  In 2019 it was the U.S. Navy.
  • Educational scholarships as well as the Ron Rosser “Best of the Best” Award to ROTC students (currently five scholarships are awarded each year)

Celebrating Patriotism Through Imagery

Our Ohio Milvets Gallery

Join Our Patriotic Cause

Support our mission to honor and assist veterans. Your involvement can make a significant impact. Join us, donate, or volunteer today to help us continue our patriotic initiatives.