Chester Corwin Roberts born 31 December 1888, in Chicago. His parents were Frank Herschel Roberts & Ella Mapes Roberts. Roberts’ parents were both natives of Marion County. Roberts attended high school in Chicago. 
Roberts attended Dartmouth University of one year before entering the University of Illinois. He earned his bachelor of art in 1912. At university he was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
While at the University of Illinois, Roberts played on the football team. He was team captain in 1911. In his senior year, Roberts was named to the second team All-American as half-back.
In 1918 Chester C. Roberts married Mildred Christian. Mildred was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George B. Christian, Sr. Chester and Mildred Roberts were the parents of John C. Roberts, Charles C. Roberts and Frank C. Roberts. All three sons were in the United States Naval Reserves.
Chester C. Roberts had attended the second officers training camp in Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana in 1917. He was commissioned as a Captain upon completion of training in December of 1917. He served as an infantry officer and among his stations were Camp Taylor, Louisville , Kentucky, and Camp Gordon, Georgia. Roberts attained the rank of Major prior to the end of his service on 1 January 1919.
When Major Chester C. Roberts left the military he came to Marion, Ohio, to manage the farm of his father. In 1920 Roberts was chairman of the Marion Citizens’ Committee. Also, while in the Marion area Chester C. Roberts established Kelvinator Refrigerators in 1926, became the commercial manager of Columbus, Delaware & Marion Electric Company and later the president of Marion-Reserve Power Company. Roberts had been the division manager for a group of five electric companies that included the Columbus, Delaware & Marion Electric Company, which was headquartered in Marion, Ohio. The other companies were Ohio Electric and Light Company, the Mt. Gilead Electric Power and Light Company and the Morrow Public Service Company. These five electric companies were merged into the Marion Reserve Power Company while Roberts was the president. The Marion Reserve Power Company then served 28 counties in Ohio from the western border through north-central Ohio.
Chester C. Roberts died unexpectedly of a heart attack, on 1 November 1945, at the age of 56. At the time of his death Roberts was employed with the Marion Jobs and Progress program. He was a principal sponsor of the program and was the reigning chairman of the Civic Planning Group which had drafted the plan.
Roberts was active in the community planning and chaired the committee to select the site of the veteran’s home and the committee in charge of the purchase of corporate bond purchases for the war bond campaign.
Chester C. Roberts is interred in the Marion Cemetery.
Pfc. James E. Jones World War Two Veteran, Korean War Casualty
James E. Jones was born 26 April 1925, in Marion, Ohio. James E. Jones was a veteran of World War Two and the Korean War. Private First Class (Pfc.) Jones was a member of the 3rd Airborne Ranger Company attached to the 3rd Infantry Division in Korea. Pfc. Jones was killed in action in South Korea on 11 April 1951.
Among Pfc. Jones’ awards were the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the World War Two Victory Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
James E. Jones is remembered on the World War II Veterans Memorial Wall at the Marion Cemetery. He is also remembered on the Honor Roll at the Veterans Memorial Park in Marion, Ohio, and on the west wall of the Marion County Courthouse.
SSgt. Perry V. Shroyer Vietnam Casualty
Staff Sergeant Perry V. Shroyer, born 25 July 1944, was killed in Bien Hoa Province South Vietnam. Perry Shroyer was a 1962 graduate of Ridgeway High School. SSgt. Shroyer enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1962. He was married to Sharon Hendrickson on 15 July 1967.
SSgt. Perry V. Shroyer was serving with 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, 504th Tactical Air Support Group, 7th Air Force and attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. He was killed on 28 February 1968, along with at least 11 others during an attack on the Bien Hoa Airbase; 24 others were wounded and five aircraft destroyed. This attack involved 122mm rockets fired into the airbase.
Staff Sergeant Perry V. Shroyer is buried in Calumet Park Cemetery Merrillville, Lake County, Indiana.
Staff Sergeant Perry V. Shroyer is remembered on the Honor Roll, at the Marion Veterans Memorial Park in Marion, Ohio, on the west wall of the Marion County Court House and on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, in Washington, D. C. on Panel 41E, Line 73.
SSgt. Perry V. Shroyer is also remembered on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, at the Marion County Admin building at 222 West Center St. in Marion, Ohio.
Others killed in the same action as SSgt. Shroyer were:
Sgt. Martin L Bennett
Sgt. James Boyd (Security Police)
Sgt. Benjamin Craig, Jr.
Sgt. Thomas G. Hazelwood
SSgt. Charles F. Kerr
SSgt. Robert L. Platt
SSgt Willard F. Hayes
TSgt. James N. Galey
TSgt. Herbert A. Kehrli
TSgt. Dallis Perryman
TSgt. Walter W. Vail
and two others received possibly fatal wounds.
Alex Masteller – Operation Enduring Freedom
Alex Masteller was born in 1988. Alex was home-schooled by his parents along with his two older brothers here in Marion, Ohio. Alex spent his extra curricular time enjoying graphite sketching, skateboarding and playing drums and piano. Masteller states that he did not know in what direction he was going to take with his career opportunities. He was working in the lawn care business, but knew he wanted to pursue other options. He had no interest in college at the time. With enlistment in the Army always in the back of his mind, since he and his family made a visit to Washington, D. C. They had visited Arlington National Cemetery and the “Changing of the Guard” at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Alex said, “It scared me at first. Baritone commands being shouted and violently swift but crisp movements. That was the first time I caught a glimpse at a soldier. It stuck with me throughout my life. I find it ironic that drill and ceremony was my least favorite activity in the service.”
In 2008 Alex joined the United States Army receiving his basic training at Sand Hill, Ft. Benning, GA.
Masteller became an 11C – Indirect Fire Infantryman (Mortarman).
Alex Masteller served his time with 1/33 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd BCT, 101st ABN DIV. Masteller was deployed to Afghanistan and serving at an outpost. He attained the rank of Sergeant. Sgt. Masteller would not always have access to the internet to keep in contact with family. He got to make phone calls, but said that the lack of the internet actually allowed him to not be distracted by the outside world and let him focus on the mission and those he would be leading. Sgt. Masteller still wrote letters to family back home. With only one phone available he said he would trade his phone cards to the married guys, so that they could have calls with their wives and family. And this also would get him to trade off of some of his guard duty. When he did get more access to the internet he used e-mail and social media to keep in touch with family and friends.
While assigned at an outpost on the side of a mountain Sgt. Masteller said his free time was spent lifting weights and playing cards. Sgt. Masteller said, “We had a few Ohio boys and some other mid westerners so lots of euchre for sure. We would box to settle disputes and for fun, but there was always something to fix at that place. Filling sandbags, reinforcing walls, rebuilding guard towers, etc.”
When asked if he ran into anyone from Marion, Ohio while deployed Sgt. Masteller said that he didn’t see him in person, but talked with Thomas LaHut. LaHut had enlisted after Masteller, but into the Air Force. He said while LaHut was stationed at Bagram Airfield, the airman was involved with loading aircraft with munitions.
Sgt. Masteller said, “We called in for a couple 500lb. bombs to be dropped on insurgents; a long firefight at the end of a 3 day OP in the mountains. Anyway, he was the one who loaded the bombs. Thought that was pretty cool.”
Masteller’s time in Afghanistan, 2010-2011, was spent at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Clark in the Khost province for a couple months. But most of his time was spent at combat outpost (COP) Spera. COP Spera was still in Khost province but further south, bordering Pakistan about a klick to our east and Paktika not far South.
Spera was a small outpost in the mountains. Consisting of mud huts, Hesco barriers, sand bags, and shotty carpentry work at best. It was close quarters living, no plumbing, and run on generators. Not including the lower qalat (mud brick compound or mud huts) which housed the Afghani National Army, there was an average of 27-35 Americans living in the main compound.
Masteller remembers getting recognized and earning his CIB. he said, “I got my Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and recognition for winning multiple Troop competitions. These were always the most gratifying and ego boosting, one of them they gave me one of the Lieutenant’s parking spots. I only lived across the street but I parked there everyday. Lastly, I graduated the Infantry Mortars Leaders Course (IMLC) which basically teaches you how to be a Mortar Jedi.”
When asked of any particular moments he is proud of, he answered, “Just being there for my boys. Keeping them on target in stressful situations or personal issues. They always knew I’d advocate for them. Whether it was laying on top of them behind small rocks with small arms fire targeting us or yelling at an officer, or yelling at them I was solid. I brought all my guys home which isn’t something you can always control… but I’d like to think I played a part.”
My final questions for Alex was about his transition back into civilian life. He says, “When I left the military I got this immediate feeling that I was no longer in the proverbial wolf pack. If you’re not vigilant it’s easier to let people slip away. Social media has improved that in a sense, but as far as regular contact on a phone or physically seeing the guys I served with, I’d say three of my former group of friends I’m still close with.”
When asked about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder):
Did you suffer from any PTSD? (Really hard not to rant right now about all the problems I have with the term PTSD and treatment methods and how it’s crippled too many a warriors spirit, but I’ll leave that alone right now and keep it simple Mike, may have to write about it sometime).
-Yes
Did it affect you for long?
-Yes, I struggled for about 5 years before I started diving in and actively working on what is often referred to as PTSD.
Do you have any suggestions for other Veterans who may suffer from PTSD?
-Step 1: Forget the labels and the portrayal we see in the media, movies etc. Bottom line is that you’re messed up. . . And that it’s okay, it’s normal. The confusion, the anger, the depression, the dreams, the panic attacks is all a response to the various stress you put your mind/body through. YOU ARE NORMAL.
-Step 2: Get involved in psychotherapy. 1:1 or group discussion if that’s easier for you.
Also keep a routine. Make exercise a priority and try to work through emotional issues before you start taking antidepressants. Pills don’t fix the deep issues. If you need them for awhile that’s okay but often psychotherapy will do more for you in the long term.
-Step 3: Love yourself. This may be the hardest part. Personally I’m still working on it. Uplifting yourself and knowing you’re strong enough to be here and should be here is so important. I can’t stress that enough.
Lastly, it is never too late to ask for help. There are people out there that want to help but you have to make the first move.
After being discharged from the Army, Masteller remembers feeling like he was no longer connected.
Alex Masteller would work in construction and spend some time working for Lowe’s in Marion. Alex would use his GI Bill to help him get through Marion Technical College’s Registered Nursing Program. He said the GI Bill took care of most of his schooling and was a big help. Alex is now working as an RN at an Intensive Care Unit caring for others.
Thanks Alex, for your service and a peek into your story.
Remember our veterans continue to sacrifice with their families in adjusting back to civilian life. They must be encouraged to make positive memories to crowd out the bad ones.
Are you a veteran or do you know a veteran in crisis? Follow this link, it is one link that may help. Veterans Crisis Line
Private Pearl E. Morris – World War One Casualty
Pearl Eugene Morris was born on 17 February 1899. His parents are Andrew C. & Rebecca J. (Johnson) Morris.
His mother, who would have been part of celebrations announcing the end of the war, finds out days later that her son was killed just prior to the Armistice. Her son, Private Pearl E. Morris, had made a trip back to Marion to celebrate prior to leaving for Europe. Prior to leaving for Europe Morris was a veteran of the Border Campaign in which he served with D Company.
Pvt. Pearl E. Morris was first buried in Landres-et-St. Georges, Ardennes. On 12 June 1919, he was reburied at Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial, Romagne-sous-Montfaucon, Departement de la Meuse, Lorraine, France. On 1 November 1921 it appears his remains were once again disinterred and reburied in a different location within the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial. He is currently laid to rest at in Plot A, Row 26, Grave 4, Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial.
Private Pearl E. Morris is remembered on the Honor Roll, at the Marion Veterans Memorial Park in Marion, Ohio, on the World War One Honor Roll, on the second floor of the Marion County Courthouse.
From the Marion Daily Star date November 18, 1918
PEARL E. MORRIS DIES
IN ACTION, OCTOBER 22Son of Mrs. Rebecca J. Morris,
of Breen Street,WHO IS NOTIFIED BY
GOVERNMENT SUNDAYPrevious to Leaving Marion
with D Company, Morris Serv-
ed on the Mexican Border.Mrs Rebecca J. Morris, of No 290 Breen street, received a telegram at 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon, from Adjutant General Harris, containing the sad news that her son had been killed in action in France, October 22.
Morris was born February 17, 1899. He left Marion in August, 1917, with D company, being one of its youngest members. He was later transferred to A company, of Cardington. After spending a few months training at Camp Perry, he was sent overseas. He wrote regularly to his mother up to eleven weeks ago, since which time she had had no word from her son.
Previous too leaving Marion with D company, young Morris served on the Mexican border. Prior to that he was employed at the Marion Steam Shovel shops. He is survived by his mother and one brother, Harold Morris, of Marion, and his father, A. C. Morris who is employed in Dayton.
Honoring Marion Ohio Veterans 