LaRose stands up for veterans

NORWALK — Every one who is qualified should have the opportunity to vote, especially the men and women serving abroad in the military. That was one of the messages Secretary of State Frank LaRose brought with him earlier this week on his visit to Norwalk. LaRose stopped by the Huron County Veterans Services Office and met with a handful of local veterans. Also on hand was Huron County Commissioner Harry Brady. LaRose served in the 101st Airborne Division of the special forces as an Army Green Beret. He is a reservist, still serving his country, and said he looks forward to his weekends when he is Sgt. LaRose and not Secretary of State LaRose. He said it is a great life. "I love what I do in my day job," he said. LaRose met with the group as they shared their military stories. Afterwards, he said there are four things he is looking for in veterans: • Encourage veterans to run for public office. "We need more of our fellow veterans to step up and lead by serving in public office," he said. • Entrepreneurship for veterans, or as LaRose put it "Vetrepreneurship." • Poll workers. "The board of elections needs you." • Overseas military voting. Everyone in the military, no matter where they are stationed, should have the opportunity to vote. LaRose talked about the MRV program (Military Ready-To-Vote). Visit militaryvotes.ohio.gov. "We will stop at nothing," LaRose said. "There are ways to do it. We will make it happen." LaRose took office as Ohio's 51st Secretary of State on Jan. 14, 2019. Prior to being elected to statewide office, he served two terms in the State Senate representing the 27th Senate District in northeast Ohio. Among numerous recognitions, LaRose was named the Legislator of the Year in 2016 by the Ohio Association of Election Officials in recognition of his support and commitment to improving Ohio's election process. He is currently serving a two-year term within the Aspen Institute as a Rodel Fellow — a bipartisan group of America's rising political stars brought together to promote greater civil discourse. In May 2019, LaRose was presented the Business Champion Award by the Ohio Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. After graduating from Copley High School, LaRose fulfilled a lifelong dream by enlisting in the United States Army with the 101st Airborne, and ultimately served in the U.S. Special Forces as a Green Beret. During his decade in uniform around the globe, LaRose received numerous commendations and honors, including the Bronze Star. He is the Jr. Vice Commander of the Fairlawn VFW and, as an Eagle Scout himself, LaRose now serves on the executive board for his local Boy Scouts of America Council. LaRose and his wife, Lauren, live in Columbus with their three daughters.