Memorial Day Services are scheduled to begin in the 10 a.m. hour in front of the Shelby County Courthouse.
Colonel Scott Oden will serve as the guest speaker for Monday’s event. A Kokomo native, Oden graduated from Ball State in 2003 while also earning the distinction of being at ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate.
Colonel Oden’s career began in 2004 when he attended the Aviation Officer Basic Course and UH-60 “Blackhawk” Flight School XXI qualification course at Fort Novosel, Alabama. He graduated in June 2005 as an Honor Graduate. His first aviation assignment was Platoon Leader for Company B 2-238th Assault Helicopter Battalion.
Oden has also held positions such as: Aeromedical Evacuation Officer and Flight Operations officer for Company C 2-238th General Support Aviation Battalion, Medical Operations Officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Company 38th Combat Aviation Brigade. Colonel Oden serves as the State Army Aviation Officer for the Indiana National Guard.
Oden is qualified in the UH-60 “Blackhawk” as an Instructor Pilot, and OH-58 “Kiowa” accumulating more than 2,000 flight hours.
Colonel Oden has participated in operational deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Additional operations include: state emergencies and divisional and brigade warfighting exercises.
Oden has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Valorous Unit Award, Master Army Aviator Badge, the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Gold) and other state awards.
Colonel Oden is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College, earning a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies. He resides in Indianapolis with his wife, Kristie, and three children.
The Shelby County Post is a digital newspaper producing news, sports, obituaries and more without a pay wall or subscription needed.
Ray Allison named next executive director of the Indiana State Fair Commission
INvestABLE Indiana announces expanded eligibility criteria beginning January 1
Governor Braun announces record year for Indiana tourism
Rockville Parks Board continues working on quality of life improvements
Indiana advances coal ash permitting program
Indiana's state parks offer New Years Day events
Rockville Council strips Clerk-Treasurer of Town Manager duties
DNR receives regional award for project on former mine land near Pleasantville
ISP shopping safety tips
Riverton Parke's Emily Adams awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Parke County
BMV announces Christmas and New Year's Day holiday hours
Indiana launches Smart SNAP
Indiana 211: Connecting Hoosiers to holiday support and essential resources
Department of Homeland Security launches Worst of the Worst website
Governor Braun takes action to waive hours-of-service regulations for transporting propane
Two Indiana State Fair Commission executives elected to prominent national IAFE Positions, Indiana State Fair honored with multiple awards
Cover Crop Premium Discount Program available for Hoosier farmers, new pre-enrollment available
Indiana FSSA extends open enrollment for HIP and PathWays Plans through December 24
