Family of Fallen Waynesfield Soldier Receives Ohio Military Medal of Distinction 

COLUMBUS– Members of the Ohio Senate and Ohio House of Representatives yesterday held a special joint legislative session to honor Ohioans who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Two fallen soldiers were presented with the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction during the ceremony which was presided over by Senate President Keith Faber (R–Celina) in the House chamber.
 
One of the fallen soldiers recognized was Staff Sergeant Sonny C. Zimmerman from Waynesfield, Ohio. Earlier this year, President Faber sponsored legislation to name a section of State Route 67 as the “Staff Sgt. Sonny Zimmerman Memorial Highway.” Staff Sgt. Zimmerman was killed in action on July 16, 2013 while serving his country in Afghanistan. He was 25 years old and is survived by his wife and daughter.
 
“Staff Sgt. Zimmerman made the ultimate sacrifice in giving his life for his country,” said Faber. “He displayed great courage and devotion while defending his nation’s freedom and it is my hope that this medal will bring some solace to his loved ones.”
 
Staff Sgt. Zimmerman was an infantry squad leader in Company A, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. He was a decorated war veteran having received a Purple Heart, three Army Commendation medals, two Army Achievement medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals, and the National Defense Service Medal among others.
 
“Today we gather together to remember Ohio’s sons and daughters who have fallen while standing in defense of this great Union,” said Faber during the ceremony. “These braves men and women cast a blanket of liberty under which Americans comfortably rest each and every day.”
 
The Ohio Military Medal of Distinction is presented once per year to the next of kin of a fallen member of the military that is eligible for the recognition. In order to be eligible, an individual must have been a resident of Ohio at the time they were killed.
 
Senator Faber represents Ohio’s 12th Senate District, which encompasses all of Allen, Champaign, Mercer, and Shelby Counties as well as portions of Auglaize, Darke, and Logan Counties. He currently serves as President of the Ohio Senate. Learn more at www.OhioSenate.gov/Faber.