Veterans Advisory Committee shares veteran insight with the City

Published on September 16, 2026

The resident-run Powell Veterans Advisory Committee was formed in 2025 to serve as a representative voice for veterans within the City, providing insight to City Council and staff on the needs of the veteran community. The committee provides input on annual veteran-related events, management of the Greater Powell Veterans Memorial and other veteran-related topics.

Coordinating with local organizations, the committee works to educate the public about veterans’ issues and connect veterans with vital resources.

The volunteer board is comprised of veterans and City staff with one member being the chair. Assistant City Manager Jeffrey Tyler serves as a staff representative, being a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

“As a fellow veteran, I believe that they are invaluable to the City and Council, in particular, as a voice to address veteran’s concerns within the community,” Tyler said.

The committee is chaired by Jon Bennehoof, a former Powell Mayor and U.S. Navy veteran who served three distinguished tours of duty in Vietnam.

The committee recently provided insight on the “Unmarked but Unforgotten” memorial to be installed at the Powell Cemetery, coordinated by Delaware County Veteran Services and Daughters of the American Revolution.

“We would talk amongst ourselves and weigh the pros and cons and have an opinion on it doesn't mean that we're making a decision,” Bennehoof said. “This means we're giving the veteran’s perspective.”

The committee is also involved in annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremony planning, conducting flag refreshes at the Powell Cemetery on both holidays, providing guidance and recommending speakers for the events.

“The flag refresh is something that I'm very passionate about because we're honoring all the veterans that are in that cemetery,” Bennehoof said.

The Veterans Advisory Committee meets at 6 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at City Hall located at 47 Hall St. The meetings are open to all.

Residents interested in joining the committee can email Jon Bennehoof at jcbennehoof@gmail.com.