Sergeant First Class, John David Coy, a student of The Ohio State University at Marion and United States Army veteran, was the recent recipient of the2009 Arnold Skurow Veteran Award. 

This annual award recognizes 3 to 5 military veterans on all Ohio State campuses, who exemplify academic excellence, community service, and leadership.  It is so named for its patron, Arnold Skurow, a U.S. Navy veteran, and key leader in helping disabled and Vietnam-era veterans to receive affirmative action rights. 

Currently a senior, Coy has been a student at the Marion campus since 2005, majoring in middle childhood education.  Coy served 4 years active duty in the United States Army, 7 years in the Ohio National Guard, and currently serves in the United States Army Reserves.   Upon completing his active duty service, Coy worked in the civilian world for the Ohio Department of Corrections for over 9 years.

Coy’s reasons for going back to college and choosing Ohio State Marion were clear and simple,   “It is close, convenient…it’s home,” Coy said.

Coy was on track to complete is degree last year, but his plans were derailed in 2006 because he was called to Camp Taji, Iraq, where he trained Iraqi forces to work as medics.  As a former, pre-med major, Coy was trained by the army in the medical field and has been a medic for 20 years.  While medicine is no longer his preferred field of study, Coy felt it has served him well over the years.  In addition to being a student, and serving his country, Coy also volunteers and coaches at River Valley schools, where his children attend. 

Also winning the award in 2008, Coy shared why this honor is still special the second time around.

“I’m really proud of my service.  It feels good to have veterans recognized for that service, especially now.  When you are (active duty and mobilized), people are supportive, but when you get back, it’s there for a few months and then it’s just gone.  This award is a good opportunity to show support for those who have served.”