Dragons to Honor Local Veteran on June 9

DAYTON, Ohio -- CareSource Military & Veterans™ and the Dayton Dragons will host United States Army veteran Merlo Fetherolf during the Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans™ on Sunday, June 9 at 1:05 pm when the Dragons take on the Lansing Lugnuts at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. Sunday will be the second Veteran Salute of the 2024 season.

The Dragons Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans™ provides veterans in the Dayton region with a once-in-a-lifetime experience to celebrate their service to our country. Each honoree’s story is shared in front of the crowd at Day Air Ballpark, followed by a standing ovation in appreciation of the veteran's hard work and dedication both in military and civilian accomplishments.

Specialist E-4 Merlo Fetherolf’s Story

Born in Lancaster, Ohio, Specialist E-4 Merlo Fetherolf was drafted for the Vietnam War in 1966 at the age of 19. Before going to Vietnam, he completed infantry training at Fort Benning in Georgia, followed by engineer training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.

While in Vietnam, Fetherolf was stationed at Pleiku and worked as a combat engineer. He helped build roads and bridges to assist infantry travelling on land.

Fetherolf was part of the Tet Offensive, one of the largest military campaigns in the Vietnam War. As South Vietnam was celebrating its Lunar New Year, North Vietnam launched a surprise attack throughout South Vietnam. During this attack, Fetherolf was exposed to agent orange.

After returning from Vietnam, Fetherolf worked as a stockade guard at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He manned the night shift alongside five other guards, never losing a man. In 1968, Fetherolf completed his military career as a specialist E-4.

Fetherolf ended his military career with numerous awards. He received the Vietnam Service Campaign Medal and four Bronze Star Medals. The Bronze Star Medal is the fourth highest military decoration for valor, recognizing acts of heroism performed in ground combat.

Fetherolf has abundant pride and justice as an Army veteran. He has attended many reunions since serving in the military. Fetherolf now resides in Xenia, Ohio, where he loves to socialize, dance, joke, and craft in his residential community.

To nominate a veteran in your life for the Veteran Salute Program presented by CareSource Military & Veterans™, visit daytondragons.com/veteransalute.