From left are Leon Johnson (Chairman of the Board, VFW of Ohio Charities); Keith Jeffers (State Commander, VFW Department of Ohio); Patti Uecker; Senator Joe Uecker; Bill Seagraves (Director, VFW of Ohio Charities)
On Saturday, Aug. 10 the Department of Ohio VFW presented Ohio Senator Joe Uecker (R–Miami Township) with its “Legislator of the Year” award at its annual Council Administration meeting in Columbus.

“Veterans are grateful for Senator Uecker’s commitment to our issues,” said Bill Seagraves, director of VFW of Ohio Charities.  His work in the legislature and his family’s service in the armed forces are greatly appreciated by the VFW and all veterans groups.”

Senator Uecker recently sponsored an amendment to increase the veterans hall tax exemption cap from $10,000 to $36,000 in House Bill 59, the state’s biennial budget.

“In these tough economic times many veterans organizations are struggling to keep their doors open,” said Senator Uecker in a previous news release. “Expanding the veterans property tax exemption cap will allow many organizations to continue serving our communities and offer those who have served our county so bravely a place to congregate.”

Senator Uecker’s two sons, daughter and a daughter-in-law are currently serving as officers in the US Air Force.