Mattox Inducted Into Veterans Hall of Fame

​COLUMBUS, Ohio — A local man dedicated to preserving our past and educating our youth for the future is now listed among the ranks of Ohio’s Veterans Hall of Fame. John S. Mattox is best known as the founder and curator of the Underground Railroad Museum in Flushing. His efforts on behalf of others, however, have impacted many lives in other ways over the years. As a member and officer of A Special Wish Foundation, Mattox has helped numerous children with life-threatening illnesses achieve their dreams. From special trips for families to the perfect bedroom or bathroom to accommodate a child’s specific needs, Mattox has spearheaded a number of important projects for the organization. In his role with the Campus Coordinating Council at Ohio University Eastern, Mattox also seeks to provide opportunities for greater communication and understanding between community residents and the university. OUE bestowed an honorary doctorate of public service on Mattox in 2008. Last week, Mattox was recognized for his service once again. This time, though, he was honored for service of another sort –the time he spent in the U.S. Air Force and his community impact following his discharge. Mattox, 81, is a military veteran who continued his service with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7342 and American Legion Post 366 in Flushing. He attended the Ohio Peace Officers Basic Training Course and volunteers as a special deputy sheriff. He also serves numerous civic organizations, both locally and nationally. “John shall join presidents, astronauts and celebrities as a member of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame,” pointed out local attorney Michael McCormick, a friend of Mattox and a member of the UGRR Museum board of directors. “He will join local celebrities Clark Gable and General George Armstrong Custer as a member. Actor Paul Newman is also a member.” Many of Ohio’s veterans generously and continually give to their local communities, the state of Ohio and the nation after honorably serving in the military, according to the Ohio Veterans HOF. The mission of the hall –the first state-recognized hall of fame in America — is to honor them for their outstanding contributions to society. Inductees are honored during a Hall of Fame ceremony every year in November. Last week, Mattox was inducted along with other members of the hall’s Class of 2016. The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame has inducted more than 400 veterans since 1992. An executive committee, made up of representatives from Ohio’s veterans organizations, selects up to 20 inductees from applications received. “I’m honored,” Mattox said following his induction. “This is an acknowledgement I thought only celebrities got.” Mattox credited former Belmont County sheriff Dick Stobbs – a member of the hall himself – and some former Tuskegee Airmen for nominating him for the recognition. He said they had visited the UGRR Museum and thought this recognition would be appropriate. “Sometimes things happen and you really don’t know why,” Mattox said, adding that he dedicated the honor in memory of his late wife, Rosalind. “I dedicated it to that lovely wife of mine, and I just wish she could have been there.” Mattox, who served four years in the Air Force during the Korean conflict but did not spend time in Korea, said there is something in his blood that makes him want to leave knowledge to the next generation, and that is why he operates the museum that he founded with “Rozz.” “I could not do this alone,” he added. “It is only with the community’s help that I have attained these things. I offer my thanks and allegiance to community of the Upper Ohio Valley.” He also expressed his love for the United States. “Those who do not like America can leave,” he said. “I will be here when they get back.” The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame is not a military hall of fame. Instead, it recognizes those who honorably served in the military and continued to serve and inspire throughout their lives after discharge. Members of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame are honored in a permanent display on the second floor of the Riffe Center in downtown Columbus.