“They exemplify character and the true meaning of service to their communities, day in and day out,” said Turner, a Dayton Republican.
Brothers Jerry and Larry Litten are members of a family noted for heeding their nation’s call. Turner said seven Litten brothers enlisted in the Air Force, accumulating more than 130 years of military service in total.
“Mr. and Mrs. Carl Litten, parents of the seven Litten brothers, were even honored with a personal note from President Nixon in 1972, expressing appreciation for the splendid example set by your entire family,” Turner said.
The family’s service has been memorialized with a bench outside the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
Etter, for his part, expressed gratitude at having two jobs he enjoyed, in Trotwood and Dayton. He retired from his airport job in August after more than 15 years in that role. Before working for Dayton, he worked for Trotwood police for almost 30 years.
“I’ve been very fortunate,” Etter said. “I’ve had 45 years, two jobs in law enforcement that I enjoyed going to work ... I got to work with some dedicated first responders and support staff in my career.”
Colliver has no plans to retire any time soon. Also a veteran of NASIC — the National Air and Space Intelligence Center — Colliver marveled at how intelligence gatherers at Wright-Patterson work closely with weapons designers and the acquisition workforce at the base.
“I’m just blessed to have the crew that I do, and to be able to make the impact with both ... NASIC and now with the Air Force Materiel Command, to be the No. 1 user of intelligence to make sure our warfighters are served in the future,” he said.
“Wright-Patt is unique in the world,” he added.
Turner praised Gelbart for winning the National American Miss Pre-Teen pageant in 2022, representing Ohio.
Oakwood schools praised her recently on social media as “hardworking, kind, and a quiet superstar.” Her family says she has worked as a volunteer for the Reading for Change program. She also organized a school supply drive to support Crayons to Classrooms, and acted as a volunteer small group reader for local youth. She is also president of student council at Oakwood Junior High.
About the Author
