Lawyers salute service of peers

The bar association president said vets deserve to be honored for their service.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Local lawyers who have served in the military were to be saluted today by their colleagues in the legal community.
The Mahoning County Bar Association planned a ceremony to honor its members who are veterans of the armed forces. The ceremony, in conjunction with Monday's upcoming Veterans Day, was in the rotunda of the county courthouse.
Kathi McNabb Welsh, president, said it's the first time in recent history the bar association has honored its members for their military service. It's something she's wanted to do for years.
Saying thanks
Welsh said she got the idea while attending annual memorial services for deceased association members.
"I've listened for years to stories of bravery shown by our members," Welsh said. "I thought it would be nice, while they are still with us, to say thanks."
The association mailed questionnaires to its members, asking them to submit information about whether they had served in the military, which branch, whether they served in wartime, and to share any interesting stories from their experiences.
Sixty of them responded. They have served in all branches of the military and have seen combat from World War II through the Gulf War.
Fascinating stories
Some, like city Police Chief Robert Bush, have fascinating stories. Bush was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Atty. Marshall Buck was a Green Beret. There are many others, Welsh said.
"I know there are others who served, but they've told me they didn't respond because they just don't like the attention," she said.
The comments and experiences from the questionnaires will be compiled into a booklet, which will be distributed among the veterans.
Lt. Col. Richard Myers of the U.S. Air Force Reserve JAG (Judge Advocate General) Corps, will be the guest speaker.
bjackson@vindy.com