Gov. Kasich Announces Retirement of Col. Thomas Moe

Release:

COLUMBUS—Today Governor John R. Kasich announced that Ohio Department of Veterans Services (DVS) Director Thomas N. Moe will retire on July 22 after 46 years serving his state and nation.

“Having Col. Moe serve on my Cabinet over the past two-and-a-half years has been an honor,” said Kasich. “I’m grateful to Col. Moe for stepping out of retirement at the beginning of my administration when I asked him to lead DVS. He is a true American hero and we were fortunate to have him on our team as long as we did. I wish him and his family all the best.”

Highlights of Moe’s tenure at DVS include his leadership in the governor’s efforts to help out-of-work veterans and veterans returning from active duty find meaningful employment and gain new access to health care.

In 1967, as a member of the U.S. Air Force, Moe was assigned to combat duty in Vietnam. In 1968, he was captured behind enemy lines and held as a POW for over five years. Following his rescue in 1973, Moe continued his service in the U.S. Air Force until his retirement in 1995. Moe has also served as a Military Studies Fellow at the Kroc Peace Institute, University of Notre Dame and the director of the Fairfield County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Over the years, Moe has earned numerous awards and decorations for his military and public service, including two Silver Stars, two Purple Hearts, and the Bronze Star Medal for Valor. He is a member of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame and the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor.