Deborah A. Ashenhurst

Deborah A. Ashenhurst served in the Ohio National Guard for 37 years and now holds a position in the Cabinet of Governor Mike DeWine as the director of the Department Veterans Services. In January 2019, Ashenhurst was appointed as the first female director of the Ohio Department of Veteran Services, which supplies benefits and resources for Ohio's past service members.

Career in National Guard Ashenhurst first enlisted in the Ohio National Guard in 1978 and has served on 20 different assignments during her service. In 1980 she was commissioned as an Engineer Officer through the Ohio Army Guard's Officer Candidate School. She then served as a reconnaissance officer with the 54th support center. Ashenhurst commanded and held staff officer assignments from battalion, company, brigade, and Joint Force Headquarters. More recent assignments include the commanding general, 73rd Troop Command, commander, 237th personnel Services Battalion, and director, Property and Fiscal Operations, United States Property and Fiscal Office for Ohio. and subsequently promoted to the rank of brigadier general. The United States is rated as one of the most successful cooperation programs of a total of 62 programs. There are 28 members of the ONG specialists with the members of the defense system and the Serbian Interior Ministry. Ashenhurst promoted the first generation of women officers in Serbia with her relations of being the first women to command the Ohio National Guard.

Education In 1994, Ashenhurst received a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in sociology from Regents College (now Excelsior University), part of the University of the State of New York system. Her professional military education includes completion of the Engineer Officer Basic Course and Medical Officer Advanced Course. She also graduated from the Military Personnel Officer Course. Ashenhurst completed the Command and General Staff College program by distance learning. In 1995, she completed the Air War College course via distance learning, and in 1999 she completed the Army War College program, also by distance learning. Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 Silver & 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) Joint Service Commendation Medal Army Commendation Medal (with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters) Joint Service Achievement Medal Army Achievement Medal Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (with 1 Silver & 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters) National Defense Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Service Star) Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Humanitarian Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Service Star)

Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with 1 Gold Hourglass) Army Service Ribbon Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon (with Bronze Number 5)

Ohio Distinguished Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) Ohio Commendation Medal Ohio Faithful Service Ribbon (with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters) Ohio Special Service Ribbon Ohio Basic Training Ribbon Mississippi Emergency Service Medal