INDIANAPOLIS — In front of about 260 family and friends, 15 veterans were honored and inducted into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame.
The ceremony was held Tuesday at Primo South Banquet and Conference Center.
Gerald Clewlow founded the Indy Honor Flight. He said he's honored and humbled by the recognition.
"It's the culmination of a life, work and fun with veterans," he said. "It's nice to, at the end, to be thanked and recognized for the efforts. But we did it for the veterans. Everything we do is for the veterans."
Clewlow was nominated by veteran Dan Oates. Oates received the same recognition in 2016. He said it's one of his most-prized honors that he's received and is excited for Clewlow to experience it.
"I don't think either one of us did it for the recognition. We did it because it was our duty to do it. Other people have recognized that honor and service and have bestowed that honor on us," Oates said.
Paul Cauley said when he came home from Vietnam, he kept his service a secret because of the vitriol toward Vietnam veterans at the time. For him to go from keeping his head low to holding his head high and being applauded for that service is a whirlwind, he said.
"Knowing what I endured 30 years ago and now what I ... it's just such a change. It's such a great honor, it absolutely is. They're giving it to me for me doing something I truly love to do anyway. Now this is the icing on my cake," he said.
Aletha Calloway was the only female veteran inducted Tuesday. She was a computer and machine operator for the Army. She said she's honored and that her goal has always been to serve the people. She hopes her life inspires others to do the same.
"It's amazing," Calloway said. "If I can do it, they can do it."
Veteran Rhonda Seward nominated Calloway. She said Calloway is proof that women are blazing trails every day.
"This accomplishment really shows how society is changing and that women are being more accepted and respected in various roles and jobs and military branches," Seward said.
The veterans hope Hoosiers will continue to be a strong force in all branches of military and continue to grow the hall of fame.