At their meeting on Thursday, May 2, 2013, the Marion County Commissioners issued proclamations for National Day of Prayer and National Foster Care Month. They also recognized “the ultimate sacrifice” of Captain Stephen J. Chaney, a Marion native who was killed in action during the Vietnam War.
Greg Masteller thanked the commissioners for recognizing the National Day of Prayer. He said the goal of the day was to have a group in every county across the nation praying for America. He stated that the United States was founded on Biblical principles and that people need to continue to as for God’s protection.
The proclamation of Thursday, May 2, 2013 as “National Day of Prayer” in Marion County:
WHEREAS; the President of the United States has set aside the first Thursday of May as “National Day of Prayer;” and
WHEREAS; this year is the 62nd observance of the National Day of Prayer, to be held on Thursday, May 2, 2013; and
WHEREAS; the theme for this year’s National Day of Prayer is “PRAY FOR AMERICA” with illustrating Scripture “In His name the nations will put their hope.” (Matthew 12:21).
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED; that the Board of Marion County Commissioners hereby declares Thursday, May 2, 2013 as “NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER” in Marion County.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; we, the Board of Marion County Commissioners, in connection herewith, do not promote or discourage the practice of any one religious belief or lack of religious belief, but that this day allows for any person to pray or meditate based upon his or her own convictions.
Marion County Children Services brought one of their foster parents to accept the proclamation from the commissioners. Stephanie Kerns was just licensed in January, but has provided respite care for several children, currently has one foster child, and will take permanent custody of a child on Friday, May 3. Kerns said being a foster parent has been very rewarding and she wished she would have started sooner.
The proclamation of May 2013 as “National Foster Care Month” in Marion County:
WHEREAS; the family, serving as the primary source of love, identity, self-esteem and support, is the very foundation of our communities and our State; and
WHEREAS; last year in Marion County there were one hundred eleven (111) children in out-of-home care. Seventy-two (72) of these children were in agency custody and placed in foster care or treatment facilities, while the other 39 were in kinship care placements with family members or friends; and
WHEREAS; all young people in foster care need a meaningful connection to a caring adult who becomes a supportive and lasting presence in their lives; and
WHEREAS; foster, kinship and adoptive families, who open their homes and hearts and support children whose families are in crisis, play a vital role in helping children and families heal and reconnect thereby launching young people into successful adulthood; and
WHEREAS; these unsung heroes frequently adopt foster children, resulting in a greater need for more foster families; and
WHEREAS; this month we would like to recognize and thank the numerous kinship providers and the 39 licensed foster families in Marion County and encourage others to consider doing the same, because the foster care “system” is only as good as those who choose to be part of it.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED; that the Board of Marion County Commissioners hereby proclaims May 2013 as “NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH” in Marion County, and urges all citizens to come forward and do something positive that will help change a lifetime for children and youth in foster care.
Captain Stephen J. Chaney is to be inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame on May 3. Marion County Commissioner Dan Russell said that Chaney was one of Marion’s finest and was among a very elite group of men fighting in the Vietnam War. Russell also reminded the audience that much of details surrounding Chaney’s death were classified until the mid-1990’s.
Chaney was killed while taking part in a secret reconnaissance mission in Laos, just across the border from Vietnam. You can read more about him by clicking here.
Proclamation to recognize “the ultimate sacrifice of Captain Stephen J. Chaney, United States Army”
WHEREAS; Captain Stephen J. Chaney, United States Army, will be inducted into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor on May 3, 2013, at a ceremony at Ohio Veteran’s Plaza on the east side of the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio; and
WHEREAS; Captain Chaney, a Marion native, graduated from Marion Catholic High School in 1964. His stellar sports career in high school , which included his selection as First Team All-Ohio during his senior year, earned him a full football scholarship to the University of Notre Dame; and
WHEREAS; in 1966 Stephen Chaney made the decision to join the United States Army, where he received his commission in February 1967. After completion of Airborne Course, Southeast Asia Study Program and Jungle Expert School, he was sent to Vietnam in December 1967. In January 1968, he was assigned as Executive Officer of a Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol Company. He extended his tour of duty in Vietnam to serve an assignment with the 5th Special Forces Group. Promoted to captain in February 1969, he was made team leader of Team Missouri where he was involved in long range reconnaissance patrols deep into enemy territory; and
WHEREAS; Captain Chaney was killed on September 23, 1969 during a Reconnaissance Operation in Laos conducted by a Special Forces Team during the Vietnam War. For his actions during this engagement, Captain Chaney was awarded the Silver Star, a medal awarded to honor distinguished service with extraordinary heroism while engaged in a military operation involving conflict with an enemy force; and
WHEREAS; in 1983, Captain Chaney was further honored when a new Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Marion elected to name the new post The Stephen J. Chaney VFW Post 7201.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED; that the Board of Marion County Commissioners hereby recognizes the ultimate sacrifice made by Captain Stephen J. Chaney, United States Army, to his Nation during the Vietnam War and commends his selection as an inductee into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor.
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