We're honored to have devoted this year's proceeds from the event to The Battle Buddy Foundation. This amazing organization founded by combat veterans is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, dedicated to helping combat veterans transition back to civilian life while living with the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury and other combat related disabilities.

The Battle Buddy Foundation was founded with the combined mission of assisting veterans, of all eras, in the acquisition of service dogs, while providing a network of peer support and activity, and promoting education and awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), the current veteran suicide epidemic, and the live saving benefits of highly trained service dogs.

Visit Battle Buddy Foundation

Ray Snedegar was born and raised in Grange City, Kentucky and enlisted in the United States Air Force on August 7, 1958. After basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas he attended a six (6) month Radio Intercept Operator school at Keesler AFB, Mississippi.  His first assignment was working with the National Security Agency in the 6989th radio Squadron Mobile at Misawa Air Base, Japan.  He returned to the states to Schilling AFB, KS where he retrained as an Aircraft Dispatcher in 1961.  In 1963 A1C Snedegar was selected to cross train to the Aircraft Loadmaster career field and was assigned to the Air Commandos at Hurlburt Field, FL where he flew C/AC/EC-47 aircraft in the 319th Troop Carrier Squadron.  SSgt Snedegar transferred to England AFB, LA with the 4410th Combat Crew Training Squadron where he continued to fly the same aircraft training students enroute to Vietnam.  During this period, he also became qualified on the C-119 and was part of the design team developing the AC-119 at Fairchild-Hiller Company in St Augustine, Fl. Between 1963 and 1966 Ray served more than 10 months TDY in Vietnam flying combat and combat support missions.

In August 1968 TSgt Snedegar left England AFB for his second overseas assignment and arrived at the 345th Tactical Airlift Squadron at Ching Chuan Kang (CCK) Air Base, Taiwan.  As NCOIC of the Loadmaster section, Ray led his loadmaster force flying C-130E "Hercules" aircraft in the Vietnam theater for the next 15 months.

In December 1969 Ray was assigned to Travis AFB, CA where he retrained on the C-141 Starlifter and assigned to the 44th Military Airlift Squadron.  Then in February 1972 MSgt Snedegar was selected as initial cadre for the 22nd Military Airlift Squadron and retrained to fly the gigantic C-5A Galaxy. He moved into 22nd MAS Standardization and Evaluation before moving up to 60th Military Wing Standards in 1974.  SMSgt Snedegar was assigned to the Wing at the time he was flying Operation Babylift on C-5A 80218 departing Saigon, RVN on 4 April 1975.

In 1977 CMSgt Snedegar moved across base to Headquarters, Twenty-Second Air Force as Chief, Standardization and Evaluation, where he oversaw Loadmaster operations for one half of the Command.  Chief Snedegar made another move to Wright-Patterson AFB, OH in December 1980 where he was the sole Air Force Loadmaster responsible for evaluating and approving all outsized cargo for movement in Air Force aircraft. He was assigned for the last nine years of his Air Force career to the Air Transportability and Test Loading Agency (ATTLA).

CMSgt Snedegar retired from the United States Air Force 1 January 1990 with 31 years, 4 months and 24 days of honorable service.  His decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Airman’s Medal for Heroism, 4 Meritorious Service Medals, 11 Air Medals, 6 Air Force Commendation Medals, 5 Outstanding Unit Awards with one V for Valor, 9 Good Conduct Medals, Antarctica Service Medal, 9 Vietnam Service Medals, Vietnam Civil Action Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, plus 29 other awards, decorations and ribbons.

After retiring from the Air Force he continued his aviation career for another 20 years as an executive with an all cargo airline where he retired as the Director of Ground Training and Regulatory Compliance.  In this capacity he added a Loadmaster department to the airline which is still in place today.

Ray continues to be active today and has the driver for Baseball Hall of Fame writer Hal McCoy. Mr McCoy is legally blind, so Ray drives him to and from all Cincinnati Reds games in Cincinnati and assists him in his daily work in the Press Box.  In the three and a half months outside of baseball he is works part time in a funeral home in Kettering Ohio and volunteers part time at the Air Force Museum in Dayton Ohio.

Education
-Associate, Transportation & Traffic Management, Community College of Air Force, 1981
-Bachelor of Science, Industrial Technology, Southern Illinois University, 1982
-Master of Aeronautical Science, Aviation and Aerospace Operations & Management, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 1997

Ray has three children, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  His wife, Barbara, passed away in November 2011 after nearly 53 years of marriage.

Platinum Sponsors - Each Pledged $2,000

Stifel believes in doing business face to face. They want to understand your unique financial objectives so that we can develop a strategy specific to your needs and long-term financial goals. Whether you want to plan for retirement, save for your children's college education, reduce your tax bills, or increase your income to meet monthly expenses, you can expect personalized, professional service and advice.

From a calendar invite into a full-fledged community, Bourbon Development finds its origins rooted in a desire to build intentional relationships for the long haul. Their three founders were encouraged by The Godfather to build a tight knit community that brings forth the future with deep roots that will stand the test of time.

Gold Sponsors - Each Pledged $1,000

The Hollingsworth Family

The family of our founder Capt. Zach Hollingsworth who continue to support our mission and Veteran causes of all kinds to this very day.

A company owned by the family of Jesse Gaither of Minuteman Press Centerville. Jesse is an instrumental part of planning, preparing, and executing our annual Veterans Day Event and the show could not go on without him. We are forever grateful for his service to our cause.

Orthopedic Associates is the Region’s Leader in comprehensive orthopedic care, sports medicine and reconstructive surgery. They deliver compassionate, expert care for the full spectrum of orthopedic conditions. Their providers and surgeons are recognized throughout the nation as leaders in the treatment of injuries, diseases, and conditions of bones and joints. Founded in 1985, they are celebrating their 35th year of patients placing their trust in the care of the hand & upper extremities, spine (back & neck), elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, and foot & ankle. They're everywhere you need them, with 11 office locations throughout western Ohio.

The Rotary Club is comprised of people from all around the South Dayton area, who care about their local and global community. From professionals to government leaders to small business owners and more, the Rotary Club of Centerville includes members who bring a depth and variety of experience, expertise, and enthusiasm! They engage our community and world through hands-on service projects, directly meeting needs in a practical way.

When you have experienced the loss of a loved one, you can trust Routsong to guide you through the arrangements necessary to create a meaningful ceremony that celebrates the unique life being honored. Their staff is committed to providing your family with the highest quality care and service in your time of need, and they take pride in their responsibility to lighten your burden as you take the first steps toward healing.

Silver Sponsors - Each Pledged $500

The Powell Family

A private family with a whole lot of love in their hearts who sponsor our efforts every year!

The Top Gunner Foundation

A private family who is sponsoring our efforts once again as they have in the past. We're so appreciative of their support!

Erwin Chrysler Dodge Jeep strives to provide outstanding professional service in all areas of their automotive dealership. They are proud to present Dodge, Jeep, RAM and Chrysler models and are confident they can find the new car, truck, van, or SUV of your dreams. They will do everything it takes to get you that model equipped with the features you desire!

When water damage or fire damage occurs in your Dayton-area home or business, call PuroClean Emergency Services to start your journey to full recovery. Owner Becky Edgren and the team know how challenging water damage, mold damage, or fire damage can be to you and your family. It’s not the time to choose the wrong provider. PuroClean Emergency Services has a proven combination of training, state of the art equipment, and efficient relationships with insurance and other partners in your area. They serve Dayton, Cincinnati, Covington, Newport, Hamilton, and more.

NextStep has a commitment to providing a dignified work environment for all team members. They take pride in our diverse company. They employ a majority of women, minorities, and veterans, and offer internship opportunities to students with disabilities. Their staff is composed of professionals of all ages, levels of experience & educational backgrounds. NextStep is also home to many second-career professionals and retired/protected-class professionals alongside millennials. They are proud of our diversity and inclusion efforts and continue to grow a customer-base of social-service focused nonprofits in greater Cincinnati. Their mission is to make the local community a better place to live, learn, and work.

The Veteran & Military Alumni Society (VMAS) serves to champion Veteran and military-connected Alumni while supporting the success of the Veteran and Military Center, the Alumni Association, Wright State University, and the community. This will be provided through personal and professional networking, alumni engagement, fundraising, in-kind and volunteer support, and service initiatives.

Brandon Barrett set out several years ago to create a company where the team truly acted as a team. People should enjoy their work and in turn that shines through in the way we treat our guests. He truly enjoys the fun family they have created as they continue to grow.

New Life Ketamine Clinic is the first clinic in the greater Dayton area to offer Ketamine intravenous infusion therapy for the treatment of severe chronic depression. Traditional treatments, such as antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes, do not always work for those who suffer from severe depression. Ketamine intravenous infusion therapy, which exhibits a 70% success rate in clinical trials, has been shown to offer almost immediate relief (with minimal, if any, side effects) to those who suffer from severe mood disorders.

Whether you’re an individual or institutional investor, Dover Partners has experienced professionals that can help you achieve your financial goals through careful planning and management of your investments. Together, they establish a time-frame for achieving those goals and implement a strategy to create a portfolio that best suits your needs.

Greg Fay Insurance provides insurance protection for you and your family in the Centerville and South Dayton area as well as throughout the State of Ohio. Their staff is on a mission to help you develop the right coverage to meet your insurance needs. Through dedication, knowledge, and a tireless work ethic, they will be the local Centerville Ohio insurance agency that their customers want to send their friends and families to.

In Kind Sponsors

Metropolitan Dry Cleaners

Miamisburg Moose Lodge

Heidelberg Distributing

Buckeye Vodka

Skyline Chili