Apr 10, 2025 3 min read

Marine Corps veteran Thomas D. Rizor couldn’t stop smiling as he was honored by a veterans’ contingent on Tuesday morning at Transitions Health Care in Washington.

“I died and went to heaven,” he said as he looked around the room. “All of my friends are here.”

Surrounding him were family, friends and representatives of the local Marine Corps League, American Legion Post 175 of Washington, American Legion Post 639 of Claysville, the Patriot Guard, the American Legion Riders and the Washington County Veterans Affairs Office. His medical staff stood nearby..

Rizor, 78, is a highly decorated military veteran from Washington who has been battling medical issues for over a year. He put on his best Marine Corps T-shirt for the ceremony, which included the presentation of certificates, a Marine flag, challenge coins, a Vietnam War pin and a decorated cake.

Washington County Commissioner Larry Maggi presented Rizor with a certificate recognizing his many awards, which include a Bronze Star with Combat “V”; two Purple Hearts (one for his services in Vietnam and one for his stint in the Dominican Republic conflict); a Good Conduct Medal; the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; a Navy Unit Citation; a National Defense Service Medal; a Vietnam Service Medal with two stars; the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device; the Expert Badge M-14 Rifle Medal; and the Sharpshooter Badge .45-caliber Pistol Medal.

Sixty years ago, Rizor was part of Operation Power Pack, when U.S. troops were sent to the Dominican Republic on April 24, 1965, due to unrest and communist attempts to take over the government. The Marines and the Army 82nd Airborne served in this conflict, which resulted in 10 Marines and 13 soldiers being killed in action, along with 283 wounded.

Washington County lost Marine Pvt. Joe Crile during this conflict on May 19, 1965. Rizor didn’t know Crile, who received the medal of valor for his actions.

Stevie Rizor said her husband, who was a master electrician, didn’t talk much about his military service and therefore was a bit shocked to find out that he was so highly decorated. After receiving his awards, the veterans in the room gave him a proper salute and joined him in a rousing rendition of the Marines’ Hymn. He responded by raising his fists with an enthusiastic “Oorah!”

At the end of the ceremony, Rizor enjoyed a piece of cake and many accolades.

“I was in the right place at the right time,” he said, still smiling.