TIM RIDENOUR
(Nominated by MaryAnn Ridenour)
The National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright Patterson Air Force Base
June 24, 2011
Tim served in the US Navy from 1982-1988 as a hull technician and firefighter. He was part of the Multinational Peacekeeping Force that served in Beirut Lebanon in 1983 when the suicide bomber attacked the US Barracks and killed 241 American Servicemen. He was also part of the Grenada invasion. He was chosen Sailor of the Quarter and helped develop the Scarlet Oaks, later Joint Oaks Vocational firefighting school program, in Cincinnati Ohio. After his Honorable Discharge, he joined the Fire Department serving as firefighter, emt, inspector, fire safety coordinator where he served 20 years nearly dying in the line of duty in 2004. Because of this, he had to give up the career he loved due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and retire in 2008. It was the hardest thing he has ever had to do. He is the bravest, most caring person I know and would do anything for his country or fellow countryman, serving as a Boy Scout Leader then Scout Commissioner after our sons grew up and went to college. He has dedicated his life to serving others and I think this is an honor he truly deserves.
