The Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS) announced the Honorable Robert A. McDonald ’75 is one of the members of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
McDonald and the other 20 members of the class will be honored for their post-military accomplishments and achievements at the 33rd annual Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 7, 2024. The class represents 14 Ohio counties and four branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Living members range in age from 39 to 84, and there is one posthumous inductee.
Each class member meets the high standards of the Hall of Fame, which honors outstanding service and accomplishment following honorable service in the military. This group has demonstrated a wide reach and has improved the lives of others through healthcare, aerospace engineering, rehabilitation, public service, veteran advocacy, motivational speaking, volunteerism, philanthropy, and much more.
This year’s Induction Ceremony is set for Nov. 7, 2024, at 10 a.m., at the Fawcett Center (2400 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43210) on the campus of The Ohio State University and is open to the public for attendance.
Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS) Director Deborah Ashenhurst recently personally congratulated all 19 living honorees and a family member of posthumous inductee Marine Corps veteran Billy M. Harris.
“Congratulations to the 20 remarkable veterans who will be inducted into the 2024 Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame,” Ashenhurst said. “Your dedication to serving our nation and your continued commitment to making a difference in your communities exemplify the highest ideals of civilian service. On behalf of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services and the great citizens of the State of Ohio, we are proud to celebrate your achievements and honor your extraordinary contributions. Your legacy of leadership and service continues to inspire us all.”
Inductee McDonald is a distinguished leader and veteran advocate with a career marked by transformative impact across multiple sectors. A 1975 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, McDonald served in the 82nd Airborne Division before embarking on a remarkable corporate career. At Procter & Gamble, he rose through the ranks to become Chairman, President, and CEO, steering the company to a 60 percent increase in stock price and earning accolades for leadership development.
In 2014, President Obama appointed McDonald as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, where he led a significant overhaul of the VA, improving access to healthcare and reducing veteran homelessness. His leadership was recognized by both President Obama and Vice President Biden, and his work was the subject of a Harvard Business School case study.
Beyond his corporate and governmental roles, McDonald currently chairs the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, which supports military caregivers and serves on the boards of several organizations focused on veterans and military families, including the West Point Association of Graduates, the George W. Bush Institute, and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University. His community contributions include leading efforts to renovate cultural facilities in Cincinnati and co-founding Cintrifuse to boost local innovation.
McDonald’s extensive achievements are complemented by numerous awards and honorary degrees, reflecting his commitment to service and leadership. His passion for bettering the lives of veterans and his exemplary character continue to drive his ongoing contributions to society as he enters the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame at age 71.
