State Representatives Visit Annual Training 09

30 SEP 09
1SG Gary Kiser

CAMP PERRY, Ohio—Rep. Matt Patten of Ohio’s 18th House District visited the Ohio Military Reserve this past September during the organization’s nnual training exercise.

“Wow, what a return on the investment of the people of the State of Ohio,” Patten said.

Patten made the trip to observe training and gain a better understanding of this little known state military force. He first visited with Brig. Gen. Charles Rowell, OHMR commander, before setting out to observe the troops in action. He said in his short eight months in office, he had only heard the Ohio Military Reserve mentioned twice.

“I do know one thing,” he said. “The (OHMR) story is not being told.” Patten recalled a statistic he heard earlier that day; a sergeant told him if he added up the volunteer hours during this training period alone, it would be equivalent to a $60,000 donation to the state of Ohio.

“These folks (Ohio Military Reservists) are true believers in what they are doing,”

Patten met with soldiers and also visited the Commanders Academy to observe Basic Entry Level Training, the Primary Leadership Development Course and the Officer Candidate School.

“I will sit down with my staff and discuss my visit here and I encourage everyone to contact their legislator and tell your story,” he said.

Rep. Denise Driehaus of Ohio’s 31st House District also visited the annual training exercise.