Centerville Veterans Day Ceremony
The City of Centerville and Centerville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9550 are saluting those who protect, preserve and maintain our freedom.
Event details
Wed, Nov 11 2026
11:00am
Centerville Veterans Day Ceremony at Stubbs Park
The City of Centerville invites the community to its annual Veterans Day Celebration on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Centerville Veterans Memorial Plaza at Stubbs Park, 255 W. Spring Valley Road
This year's keynote speaker is Chief Master Sgt. Jason Vollmer, Command Chief Master Sergeant of the 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Vollmer has served in the United States Air Force since 2002, with assignments spanning the country and deployments supporting military operations overseas.
Mayor Brooks Compton will host the ceremony and deliver remarks. Pastor Tony Miltenberger, a veteran himself, will offer the invocation. The program will also include patriotic music from the Centerville Community Band and the Pledge of Allegiance led by students from Cline Elementary School.
In recognition of America's 250th anniversary, the ceremony will feature the planting of an elm tree donated by the Daughters of the American Revolution. The tree holds special historical significance, recalling the famous Liberty Tree in Boston, an elm that served as a gathering place for American Patriots in the years leading up to the Revolutionary War. The new tree will serve as a living tribute to the generations of Americans who have defended our nation's freedoms.
A highlight of the celebration will be recognizing four veterans whose military service and community contributions reflect a lasting commitment to others.
Jim Collins, United States Navy (1942–2026): Collins enlisted in the Navy in 1960 and served four years during the early Vietnam War era. His lifelong commitment to service included supporting the military through his work at CJR Plastics and involvement with veterans’ organizations. A former Mayor of Jamestown, Collins was also a dedicated City volunteer and longtime Chair of the Centerville Arts Commission, helping shape the Summer Concert Series at his beloved Stubbs Park. He received the City's Volunteer of the Year Award in 2021.
Jason Johns, United States Navy: Johns began his military service in 1991 and served as a boatswain's mate, with assignments in South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. His duties included ship operations, navigation, rescue missions and security operations. Among his military honors are three Navy "E" Ribbons, the Good Conduct Medal and the NATO Medal. Johns continues to serve his community as an active City of Centerville volunteer and was recognized as the City's Volunteer of the Year in 2025.
Robert Kincses, United States Marine Corps (1947–2026): Kincses served in the Marine Corps from 1967 to 1973, including assignments in Missouri and Okinawa, Japan. His dedication to fellow veterans continued long after his military career, notably through his leadership in restoring the historic Grotto Gardens at the Dayton VA Medical Center. His contributions earned him induction into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame in 2014. A familiar face at Stubbs Park, Kincses loved music and dancing and could often be found enjoying the City's Summer Concert Series.
Kevin Peterson, United States Air Force and Ohio Air National Guard: A 2008 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Peterson served eight and a half years on active duty as an intelligence officer, with assignments including Afghanistan, Iraq, the Philippines, Africa and South America. After eight years away from military service, he joined the Ohio Air National Guard, where he currently serves as a Major with the 178th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group in Springfield.
Adding to the community spirit of the occasion, ContempoRoast, a veteran-owned coffee shop in Centerville, will be on hand serving complimentary specialty coffee to attendees.
The Veterans Day Celebration is free and open to the public.
Links & Tags
Stubbs Park
