Ohio Veterans Convention Highlights Statewide Collaboration, Support, and Momentum for Ohio’s Veteran Community

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – The Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS), in partnership with the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (ODBH), hosted the Ohio Veterans Convention on Saturday, August 8 at the Ohio Union on The Ohio State University campus.

The event brought together veterans, military families, advocates, and more than 100 service organizations for a full day of learning, connection, and resource-sharing.

This biennial gathering featured keynote presentations, educational breakout sessions, and a comprehensive resource expo focused on legislative priorities, crisis support, workforce development, suicide prevention, and statewide veteran‑connectedness initiatives.

This year’s Ohio Veterans Convention featured guest speaker, Major General (Ret.) Steve Markovich, MD, President and CEO of OhioHealth. Markovich’s remarks offered a unique blend of military experience, professional leadership, and personal reflection that resonated deeply with attendees. His participation underscored the Convention’s focus on honoring service while advancing innovative strategies to support Ohio’s veterans and their families.

“It was an honor to speak to such a large and diverse group of Ohioans who are making it a priority to support our veterans,” shared Major General (Ret.) Markovich, MD. “By telling my story, I hope I connected in a way that helps us to show the deep impact military service can have on an individual’s success in life, as well as the need to support them during and after their military journey.  I am glad we were able to highlight the impact that technology and AI can make in helping our veterans succeed, access needed services and support each other.  At OhioHealth, we are committed to leading with gratitude, honoring those who have served, and supporting the communities we are privileged to care for.”

Major General Harris, Director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, opened the Convention with an overview of Ohio’s statewide veterans plan and remained actively engaged throughout the day, connecting with attendees and emphasizing the department’s mission of service and collaboration.

“Ohio’s veterans deserve a strong network of support, advocacy, and opportunity,” said Director Harris. “This year’s Convention reinforced our commitment to fostering connectedness while improving and expanding access to care and resources for veterans and their families statewide.”