Rising Sun resident Ron Spurlock was honored on the Cincinnati Reds opening day Monday, April 3rd) as the Hometown Hero.
Ron was introduced to the sell out crowd as he stood on top of the Reds dugout at the end of the second inning. He was presented with a Hometown Hero baseball cap, a certificate and Cincinnati Reds challenge coin.
Ron graduated from Vevay High School and then entered the United States Marines where he served from 1969-71 including a tour of duty in Vietnam with the 3rd Marines, 3rd Battalion at Da Nang, South Vietnam. Corporal Ron Spurlock was honorably discharged in 1971. He has helped at many other events to honor veterans. Ron has been active in so many events to help pay tribute to our VETERANS including the Honor Flight Program, Welcome Home Warriors events, presentation of Purple Heart plaques to the recipients of this valor award here in Southeastern Indiana, Quilts of Valor presentations, plays an important part of the KWVA Chapter #4 Color Guard and the American Legion Post #59 Rising Sun Color Guard. Ron is a member of the KWVA Chapter #4, the American Legion Post # 59 in Rising Sun, the Vietnam Veterans of American (VVA) Lary D Fogle Chapter #71 in Aurora and the Manchester Baptist Church.
Ron attended the game with his son, Chris, grandson, Liam and wife, Connie.
Five local Purple Heart recipients were honored on the field before the game and Ron played a huge part in that ceremony too. He is one of those who always puts others first but on Opening Day he was surprised when he jumped up on that dugout thinking he was there to help another veteranget honored. It was a day he will never forget !