Occasionally, veterans find themselves accused of benefits fraud without their intent to deceive. The problem is not criminal behavior by the veteran, but a misunderstanding by the veteran on how VA benefits regulations and rules actually work.

In disability compensation claims, the VA benefits programs rely on self-reported information. Veterans must accurately report symptoms, any type of functional limitations and any changes in their medical condition.

Problems for the veterans occur when they unintentionally omit important details or provide contradictory accounts on different examinations or required forms.

The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) indicated that discrepancies between medical records or employment history with veterans’ statements are a common trigger for fraud referrals. This can occur even when there is no evidence of deliberate falsification.

The OIG is required to investigate and resolve situations where essential facts are disputed or there are evidence conflicts.

Another source of accidental fraud occurs with VA overpayments, which are caused by veteran’s failure to report changes in their circumstances.

For example, veterans receiving need-based benefits, such as certain housing assistance, must promptly report changes in income, employment, marital status, or dependents.

The VA stipulates that failing to timely report changes that affect entitlement can lead to overpayment and the creation of a debt to the VA. The key to the removal of the debt is that the OIG investigation proves either no fraud, bad faith or misrepresentation.

Some veterans place their faith in hiring “unaccredited claims consultants” or “claim sharks.” These “claim sharks” (or “third parties”) charge illegal fees, submit unsupported claims or encourage veterans to pursue diagnoses without medical evidence.

Some “unaccredited claims consultants” charge a flat fee to submit a disability compensation claim, while others rely on a percentage of the veterans first check or subsequent checks.

While the VA prohibits most paid assistance outside accredited representatives, disabled veterans are still legally responsible for the accuracy of submissions made on their behalf.

Improper claims preparation by third parties can expose veterans to investigations or debt recovery actions, even when the veteran relied on bad advice in good faith.

For example, if the veteran paid a “claim shark” to prepare a claim that was determined by the OIG to be fraudulent, the veteran also would have to pay back not only the money that the veteran received, but also what the veteran paid the “claim shark” as a fee or percentage.

Another area of confusion is that veterans, who are receiving the 100% rate of disability compensation through Total Disability based upon Individual Unemployability (TDIU). These veterans can unintentionally incur problems when they return to work.

The TDIU is tied to a veteran’s inability to find or maintain substantially gainful employment because of service-connected disabilities. The VA regulations require veterans receiving TDIU to report employment and earnings so the VA can determine whether continued TDIU eligibility exists.

The failure to report work activity or income can trigger a VA investigation, and in some cases, allegations of fraud that a veteran misrepresented their ability to work.

The VA states the reporting requirement is often misunderstood because not all 100%-level benefits are administered in the same manner.

According to the VA, statutory housebound benefits, paid under Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-S), are based on specific disability rating combinations rather than employability. This means a veteran may qualify for housebound compensation even if they are able to work.

These programs rely on different legal standards. Veterans transitioning back into civilian employment may reasonably, but incorrectly, assume that work activity does not affect their benefits.

The distinction is set by statute and regulation, but it is not always totally understood by the veteran, who is using unaccredited third-party assistance.

My opinion: Yes, in a technically legal sense, fraud requires intent. However, veterans often experience OIG investigations, benefit suspensions, or debt collection actions long before the intent or non-intent issue is resolved.

Many OIG cases are initially categorized as “benefits fraud,” but begin as administrative discrepancies – not criminal schemes.

Complex and confusing rules, coupled with unclear reporting requirements and reliance on unaccredited VA-third parties make it easy for veterans to unintentionally violate technical requirements without realizing it.

Ohio veterans have free assistance to navigate the VA benefits system via the County Veterans Service Commissions or accredited Veterans Service Organizations such as the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) or the American Legion.

These organizations, if used, will stand by the veteran to ensure that they receive the benefits that they have earned by their military service. “Claim Sharks” or non-VA accredited third parties, will just take the veterans’ earned compensation benefits and run!

John Plahovinsak is a 32-year retired Army veteran who served from 1967 to 1999. He is the Adjutant of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter #63 (Clermont County).

The VA OIG’s audit directorate interviewed VA officials and examined email correspondence, call data dashboards, meeting notes, and the relevant and preceding contracts pertaining to these services.

The conclusion of the Report indicated that the VA paid approximately $11.2 million dollars for VCL Call Responder Backup Services that were not provided.

The Veterans Crisis Line provides 24/7, confidential suicide prevention support to all veterans, regardless of whether they are enrolled in VA benefits or health care and regardless of discharge status.

The original signed contract was for $32.5 million dollars and required the contractor to route calls to VCL; answer at least ten (10%) percent of the VCL calls; and answer all VCL calls in the event of an emergency to help veterans at the risk of suicide.

When the original subcontractor stopped providing backup services, which represented about $20.5 million (or sixty-three [63%] percent of the contact value), the contractor hired a replacement.

Unfortunately, the replacement contractor could not begin work because it had not met federal security requirements and did not have enough staff. Compounding the situation, the replacement contractor did not train call responders to meet contract terms.

According to the OIG Report, VA officials knew about these issues within months of the new subcontractor starting but continued to approve payments for nearly a year.

The OIG determined that VA’s oversight of this contract fell short. While the contract contained security clauses to protect VA sensitive data, VA did not verify the accuracy of the information security checklist during contract acquisition.

A careful review of the information security checklist may have identified the need for an authority to operate before the contract was awarded.

The contracting officer and COR also did not make sure the contractor completed a security self-assessment in accordance with VA Handbook 6500.6, which was a missed opportunity to identify the need for an authority to operate.

In addition, the COR did not ensure the contractor provided enough staff for the call responder backup services as outlined in the approved implementation plan.

Two (2) factors caused this situation. First, the VA “did not accurately determine the need for an authority to operate to meet federal information security standards until after the new subcontract started.”

Second, “the contracting officer’s representative (COR) did not make sure the contractor provided enough backup call responders.”

The OIG made two (2) recommendations to the Principal Executive Director and the Chief Acquisition Officer of VA’s Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction.

First, confer with the VA Office of General Counsel to determine whether VA should assert a claim to recover the $11.2 million paid for services not received.

Second, evaluate and take any needed actions to make sure policies and procedures require appropriate officials to accurately ascertain information security requirements for contracts that involve sensitive information prior to award.

My Opinion: This VA OIG August 2026 Report was initiated based upon a previous VA OIG Report, Veterans Crisis Line Implementation of 988 Press 1 Preparation and Leaders’ Response, completed in August 22, 2024.

During the preparation of the August of 2024 Report, the OIG Staff noticed a significant problem with the Call Responder Backup Services of a renewal contract for Veteran Crisis Line services.

The VA OIG then initiated the Report, issued September 1, 2026. The recommendations made by the OIG Report have been accepted.

Under the Contract Disputes Act, the government has the authority to assert a claim to recoup funds paid for services the contractor did not provide.

It is now up to the VA, via court legislation, to recoup a portion of the

funds from the contractor for services not rendered.

The Veteran Crisis Line is the foundation of the VA’s Suicide Prevention Plan – it must be maintained and properly implemented !

The VA OIG did its’ job and now the Principal Executive Director and the Chief Acquisition Officer of VA’s Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction must do their job and recover the misspent $11.2 million dollars.

John Plahovinsak is a retired 32-year Army veteran who served from 1967 to 1999. His last active-duty assignment, from 1996 to 1999, was as an Inspector General (IG) for a six (6) state region. He is the Adjutant for Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter #63 (Clermont County.)

However, your next cultural experience may be right outside your front door. Walk around your community, and a cultural experience may come to life.

That’s the case in rural communities across the nation. In Nebraska, an influx of immigrant families from various ethnic backgrounds has meant a change in population. That’s a positive sign for jobs and economic impact. But it also brings its own struggles and challenges.

In newly diverse communities, chief topics of conversation include language differences and a lack of services and resources. How can we confront the challenges when language, religion, and ethnic backgrounds are so diverse?

In my small community, we looked for a common denominator. It began with the idea that “we all live in this community.” A conversation centered on working together for the well-being of everyone around us was a great place to start. With that premise, we began to explore how to strengthen our communities by learning about our differences.

Creating an inclusive community is a two-way street. The effort should come from both sides.

During National Welcoming Week, from Sept. 10 to 19, bring together your neighbors. Start a conversation with local leaders, and get involved to create changes that ignite the process of welcoming everyone in your community.

When people have a sense of belonging in a community, this is a mark of a healthy rural community.

By Carlos Barcenas, Center for Rural Affairs consultant. Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, nonprofit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.

Gleason has been a member of the Discover Clermont team for nearly 12 years, previously serving as Director of Marketing before being named Interim President in June 2026. As Interim President, Gleason has continued to strengthen relationships with tourism partners, hoteliers, elected officials, community leaders, and industry stakeholders while guiding the organization’s continued focus on growing Clermont County’s visitor economy.

“Sarah brings a deep understanding of Clermont County’s tourism industry, and strong relationships throughout our community,” said Payal Patel, President of the Discover Clermont Board of Directors. “Her leadership, knowledge, and commitment to Clermont County make her the right person to lead the organization forward. We are excited to see what Discover Clermont will accomplish under her direction.”

Under Gleason’s leadership, Discover Clermont will focus on increasing visitation, attracting visitors from outside the region, supporting local tourism businesses, enhancing the visitor experience, and strengthening Clermont County’s position as a regional tourism destination.

“I’m incredibly honored to continue serving Clermont County,” said Sarah Gleason. “After nearly 12 years with this organization, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact tourism has on our communities, our businesses, and our quality of life. I’m excited about the future of Discover Clermont and look forward to building on the strong foundation we have while continuing to find new ways to bring visitors to Clermont County and create meaningful economic impact.”

On Aug. 27, Clermont County Sheriff’s deputies responded to 210 Wooded Ridge Drive in Batavia Township for a reported assault. While in-route deputies were advised the situation had escalated and that an individual had been struck by a gray Audi. When deputies arrived on scene they found Steven Ballard, the individual struck, laying in the grass. When questioned, Ballard told deputies he did not know what happened. Deputies also made contact with Jason Chadwick, the driver of the gray Audi. When questioned Chadwick admitted to striking Ballard with his vehicle after learning of a physical altercation that occurred between Ballard and Chadwick’s wife.

Investigators obtained videos showing the altercation between Ballard and Chadwick’s wife. The video additionally shows Chadwick arriving on scene, engaging in a verbal argument with Ballard and eventually striking him with his vehicle.

If convicted on all counts, Chadwick faces up to 8-12 years in prison.

“Chadwick’s intentional violent actions put the safety and lives of an entire neighborhood in danger. We are fortunate that no other citizens were injured or killed. My office will aggressively prosecutor this case, said Mark J. Tekulve, Clermont County Prosecuting Attorney.

In 2023, 43% of children killed in car crashes were unrestrained, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Ohio law requires all children under the age of 8 to be in a child safety seat, unless they are 4’9” or taller. Most children need to use a booster seat until 10-12 years old, when they are the right size to properly be restrained by a traditional seat belt alone.

Clermont County Public Health (CCPH) recommends that all families should have their car seat inspected. At a car seat inspection, caregivers will receive information on how to correctly select and install the right car seat (rear-facing, forward-facing, or a booster seat) based on their child’s age and size. Several Clermont County fire departments (Miami Township, Milford, and Union Township) offer free car seat inspections, but please call ahead to check availability.

Also, CCPH can help Clermont County families obtain a free car seat and learn how to install it correctly. CCPH has four Child Passenger Safety Technicians who manage the county’s Ohio Buckles Buckeyes program, which provides car safety seats to children ages newborn to 13. Eligibility is based on monthly income. Visit ClermontHealthOhio.gov/obb or call (513) 735-8400 to learn more.

In addition, CCPH’s Child Passenger Safety Technicians have created several instructional videos about car seats. Watch the how-to videos at youtube.com/@ccphohio.

Clermont County Public Health (CCPH) is a local government agency that provides public and environmental services, nursing services, and education to Clermont County residents. CCPH is dedicated to the mission of striving to improve Clermont County by preventing disease, promoting health, and protecting the environment. For more information, contact ClermontHealthOhio.gov or (513) 732-7499.

Serger has written three books about 9/11; this year marks the 25th anniversary. Serger wanted to challenge himself by doing something different and bigger in memory of all the passengers and those who sacrificed their lives on that horrific day and in the days that followed. So, he came up with the idea that he would ride a bicycle across the U.S. and stop at firehouses along the way. It seemed like a great idea in theory, but he would need to start some kind of training, like yesterday. In October of 2025, he began a physical training program that a cyclist buddy laid out for him. Serger needed to meet the scheduled goals, or he would not be able to go the distance.

He would decide in three months whether to commit and keep training or throw in the towel. Come January, he reached out to an old Navy buddy in Montana, whom he had not seen in 30 years but knew from group texts that he was a semi-pro cyclist. Cory Hardy had biked across Vietnam, Mexico, Cambodia, Laos, Taiwan and Japan. They had served together on the same Navy carrier in Japan, had backpacked through Asia a couple of times together and climbed Mount Fuji. Serger knew Hardy was exceptionally fit and primed for pedaling across America. Serger called and just like that, Hardy enthusiastically said, “Count me in.”

Their mission for the biking marathon was to raise funds and awareness for The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, started by Frank Siller in memory of his younger brother, Stephen Siller. As a FDNY firefighter, Stephen Siller sprang into action on 9/11 to save lives, and he lost his. He had just finished his shift at Brooklyn Squad 1 Firehouse and was on his way to play golf with his brothers when he got word over his scanner of a plane hitting the north tower of the World Trade Center. He returned to the firehouse to get his gear, jumped in his truck and drove to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, and found it was closed down. Determined, he strapped 60 pounds of gear to his back and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers. He did not make it back. He gave up his life, trying to save the lives of others. He left behind his wife and five children. He grew up in a household where his parents embraced the guiding philosophy of Saint Francis, whose inspirational phrase was, “While we have time, let us do good.” T2T provides mortgage-free homes to young families of fallen service members and first responders. Their mission also includes providing adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.

Serger borrowed a $8,000 carbon fiber bicycle completely loaded with everything he would need. It belonged to his cycling buddy who had worked out Serger’s training regimen, and this was the bike that he rode 10 years ago in the Tour de France. Serger trained indoors on days of rain and inclement weather. Outdoors, he logged 5,500 miles.

They decided they would do the route used yearly by the cyclists participating in Race Across America. The route is mainly back roads that do not go through any major cities. It starts in Oceanside, California, which is an hour north of San Diego and goes all the way to Annapolis, Maryland.

Serger knew that his challenge would be high altitudes. The average altitude in Clermont County and Hamilton County is 800 feet above sea level, whereas in Montana, where Hardy lives, the elevation is 5,000 feet. So the game plan was that they would take turns riding. One would drive the van close by, while the other would bike. Serger would pedal more on the flat terrain, whereas Hardy was better equipped to take on the elevations. The total distance was 3,500 miles, so each person did approximately 1,750 miles. Serger was asked if he had considered an e-bike, and he exclaimed, “Do you know how much fun my buddies would make of me?”

Serger picked up the donated rental van at Greater Cincinnati Airport and drove it to San Diego. While waiting for Hardy to arrive, Serger stopped in at the San Diego Fire Department. Outside of the firehouse, he introduced himself to one of the firefighters who was busy cleaning the fire trucks and talked about the bike hike and T2T. The firefighter took him inside the massive fire department, rounded up a group of 50 firefighters, and asked Serger to give a talk about the ride and what it was about. Serger said that halfway through his talk, two of the older firefighters began crying. It reinforced his commitment to give thanks to first responders across America for what they did and for what they do day in and day out. Afterwards, they gave Serger hats, patches and shirts, and he told them one of the patches was going in O’Hara‘s. It is a pub a block away from the 9/11 memorial. The attack had resulted in a collapsed roof and shattered windows, but they were able to rebuild, and eight months later they were open for business. First responder badges and patches from all around the world cover the walls and ceilings of O’Hara’s.

They headed out the next morning. The record for that ride is eight days and 19 hours by one person. However, Serger and Hardy were not racing, but neither were they riding leisurely. They had set a timeline of 20 days.

They started on July 14 with great weather in Oceanside, but when they got to Arizona, it was 114 degrees. With Hardy being a semi-pro cyclist, he knew what to bring along for hydration drinks and salt supplements. When they got to Utah, Serger called Hardy, who was about 20 miles ahead in the van, and said he thought he was having a heart attack. Hardy turned back but told Serger that he was not having a heart attack, but he had been cycling uphill and was now at 4,000 feet elevation, and in about eight hours they would be at 8,000 feet elevation. As Serger got in the van, he was more than relieved to switch places with Hardy and give his now happy heart a rest.

Within 12 hours of leaving Cincinnati, the “check oil” light came on for a few hours, and then it went off. Serger thought maybe it was just a fluke. It stayed off until they got to Arizona, and then the light came on and read, “Warning: oil change now.” Well, it got their attention, and they were told by the rental company to just take it to the nearest Jiffy Lube-type place.

Also, in Arizona, they were greeted with a monsoon. A state trooper who had served in the Navy with them told them while they were eating lunch together that they were going to get stuck in the monsoon outside of Flagstaff if they stayed any longer. He said that as the Colorado River floods, the water goes back and forth across the roads, leading to vehicles getting stuck along the roadsides, looking like a used car lot. Needless to say, they hightailed it out of there, fortunately avoiding the flooding.

Serger said that when they got into Colorado, it was so hazy that neither one of them could breathe well. A fire was blazing 10 miles north, and they could actually see it. They hopped in the van, rolled up the windows, and drove past the fire, breathing just fine.

The RAAM route crosses the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Wolf Creek Pass is roughly 11,000 feet in elevation, with the highest point in the exact spot where the bike route crosses the Continental Divide. Serger said Hardy rode straight up the mountain for 8 1/2 miles and clocked him at 59 MPH going down the mountain.

Some of the local sponsors contributing to the bike ride included IGA, River City Pet and Farm Supply and Soggy Dawg Pet Salon, all in New Richmond; Anderson Barbershop, Keri Wolfangel at Global Connections and Navy buddies. Their daily budget, including food, supplies, gas and lodging, afforded them the best Super 8s.

Serger and Hardy stopped at about 25 fire stations along their route. They were welcomed at every one. 9/11 stories were recounted: where they were, what they did and who or what was sent. Rescue teams, K9 units, fire trucks, ambulances and supplies were mobilized. Anything that was needed was sent, and anything they could do to help was offered.

Coming into Kansas, they were about 60 miles away from a little town called Kim. The winds were coming from east to west and north to south. Serger said they passed thousands of windmills, and Hardy said it was going to get “real,” because they would not have all these windmills if it was not significantly windy; the bicycle swayed across the road.

So besides feeling like he was inside a cyclone, trucks were passing Serger at 70 miles an hour, and bike lanes that started out at six feet wide decreased to four feet, then down to two feet, and then there were none. Serger said that is when he pulled over to the side and said, “I cannot do this anymore,” and Hardy said, “Good, glad you figured that out.” He said he did not want to be the one calling Serger’s wife and telling her that her husband had been flattened by a semi. They both agreed safety first, so they went for a little van ride till the road regained a shoulder.

When they were 48 hours from Arlington, Virginia, Hardy received a call from a woman who worked at the Pentagon. She said they would love to give them a police escort into the Pentagon, with the fire department to greet them and thank them at the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial. It was a total surprise to them. They had no idea the Pentagon would even know about their ride. Likely, their mission was relayed to the Pentagon Fire Department through the brotherhood of the firefighters’ grapevine. The Pentagon liaison asked for their vital information so they could be vetted and background-checked for security clearance before their arrival. They were told where to park and exactly what time to be there. And like Serger said, “when the Pentagon tells you to be there a certain time, you better show up extra early.” They were picked up by four unmarked police cars and told the vehicles would circle all the way around the Pentagon and then stop at the Pentagon 9/11 memorial. The fire department would welcome them with sirens on. When they arrived at the memorial, there were about 300 people there. Firefighters, civilians, and military personnel who work in the Pentagon, and some Navy buddies. Serger said it was so overwhelming that he and Hardy started crying, though Hardy said it was just allergies.

They were escorted inside the Pentagon and spent five hours there. They met the Secretary of the Navy and the Master Chief of the Navy. They were given a tour, going through every wing of the Pentagon, including the war room. They also saw inside the 9/11 Memorial. Lunch was provided in a massive cafeteria that seemed to offer an infinite number of food selections. They donated their signed Navy cycling jerseys to the US Navy to be put in a display case in the Navy wing of the Pentagon. Serger said they shook so many hands and received numerous high fives. It was all such an honor and so surreal.

Their next scheduled stop was Shanksville, Pennsylvania, about 168 miles northwest of the Pentagon. The Pennsylvania state troopers and the Somerset Fire Department turned their sirens on as they rolled in on their bikes. The all-volunteer Shanksville Fire Department was the first to respond to Flight 93. When the firefighters arrived at the crash site, all they saw was a huge crater smoldering. The plane had crashed at 600 MPH and buried itself with the catastrophic impact.

The county coroner, working closely with federal authorities, families and forensic teams, identified victims using DNA testing, dental records and fingerprints. The identified remains and personal items were cataloged and returned to families for their private funerals. It took a little more than three months to identify the remains of all 44 people on board United Airlines flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. There were 33 passengers, seven crew members and four al-Qaeda hijackers. The plane had departed from New Jersey and was on its way to San Francisco. What human remains and materials could not be identified to specific individuals were placed in three caskets, buried at the crash site in Shanksville. A major national dedication ceremony was held in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on the 10th anniversary. It took a decade to plan and acquire the private land needed to build the permanent Flight 93 National Memorial.

In the meantime, Fox News had called Serger and told him they were going to be live on Fox and Friends the next morning. Serger had done interviews with NBC in Cincinnati, and Hardy did at least five interviews in Montana. Now the news outlets wanted to hear all about the Pentagon and Shanksville. The next stop, and last stop, was going to be the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero in Manhattan. As they left Shanksville, Serger called a Navy buddy who lived in New Jersey asking if they could spend the night. They were welcomed with open arms, and the next morning they did their interview with Fox and Friends in front of a lovely fireplace instead of a Motel 8 sign.

Because bicycles are not permitted at the 9/11 Memorial, they rode to Fire Station 10, right around the corner from the memorial. As they arrived, they saw a group of guys and gals dressed in honor guard gear saluting Hardy and Serger as bagpipes were played. Once again, Serger said he and Hardy, two tough guys, were crying. It was so emotional for everyone. Former FDNY Fire Commissioner Sal Cassano and about 500 folks were there, including Serger’s wife. After the ceremony, they were given a private tour of the museum, followed by a reception at Fire Station 10. Serger said that, just like all their firehouse stops, the camaraderie, the high fives and the handshakes made them feel just like family.

The next day, Cassano took them to Staten Island to meet Frank Siller, CEO and Founder of T2T. Serger said that he could not have been more gracious and grateful for their mission.

The museum guide the previous day at Ground Zero had pointed out the Survivor Tree and told them about it. The Survivor Tree is a pear tree that was found in the rubble of 9/11. It had been crushed, and only a branch with a single leaf was sticking up out of the rubble. As it was dug up, they saw that the top of the tree was gone and the roots snapped off, but the badly burnt and gnarled trunk was intact. It was taken to a nursery in the Bronx that is operated by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. There, with expert care, it was nursed back to health and replanted at the 9/11 Memorial Plaza in 2010. It now stands around 35 feet tall. When it was pulled out of the rubble, it was an eight-foot-tall trunk. It is seen as a symbol of survival and rebirth. The lower trunk is still gnarled and scarred, but smooth new limbs have grown out of it. Hanging on the fence surrounding the survivor tree are free weather-resistant tags, on which one may write a message and tie it to the fence. All the tags will be preserved by the museum.

The clouds of hazardous dust containing asbestos, glass, concrete and other materials resulted in cancer and chronic respiratory illness for thousands of survivors and rescue workers at Ground Zero. More than 400 FDNY firefighters and thousands of overall rescue and recovery workers have died from illnesses linked to the aftermath of 9/11.

They had a fair amount of media coverage along the way. That helped with the fundraising; Serger said so far they have raised $17,900.

Minor inconveniences: Along the way, Hardy had three flat tires, and Serger’s bike needed repair as it had stopped shifting. The RAAM guide book listed every bicycle repair shop on the route, so they were able to easily get that handled. They were stopped by state troopers three times in three states for expired tags. The registration was up to date, but the plate sticker was missing. They encountered 19 road closures. In spite of slathering on sunblocker, Serger sustained severe sunburns on top of his knees, getting no sympathy from Hardy, who just laughed, retaining the tough guy image.

Serger’s biggest takeaway was how much love people have for this country and one another. 9/11 brought the country together in so many ways through acts of service, including months of rescue and recovery, prayer and memorial gatherings, with so much love and patriotism all around. The innate goodness of people shows up everywhere. Whether it be devastation by terrorists, natural disasters or everything in between, people reach out to help. Our country and its people brush off the dust with resolve and commitment to regroup, rebuild and move forward together towards a better tomorrow. Just like the survivor tree that was decapitated, then nurtured back to be bigger and stronger, when the Twin Towers were decapitated, Americans went to work through their grief and anger to regroup and rebuild.

Serger said that through the back roads of America, with sometimes nothing but cornfields for miles, they experienced much kindness. For instance, as the van was pulled over on the side of the road waiting for the bicyclist, folks would stop and ask if everything was OK. He said there must have been a hundred folks along the way checking on them. Serger said Americans looking out for one another was really very beautiful to experience.

Temperatures hot enough to melt lead, winds strong enough to blow the boots off of a sailor, flooding deep enough to require a life jacket, fires, sunburns, flat tires, jammed gears, pseudo heart attacks, road closures, traffic stops by troopers for expired tags and oil change warnings did not deter the biking duo from accomplishing their mission.

The journey that started July 14 ended August 2. When Hardy and Serger parted in New York, with Hardy flying home to Montana and Serger driving the van back to Ohio, Hardy said, “Let’s do this again next year.”

9/11 books by author Jim Serger:

9:11 A Time to Always Remember (2022): The book features personal stories from 90 everyday Americans nationwide recalling where they were and how they felt on 9/11.

9:11 A Time to Always Remember: Bond of Firefighters (2024): This book shares 60 personal accounts from active-duty and retired firefighters sharing their experiences from that day.

9:11 A Time to Always Remember: Salute to Service (2025): The third book honors and highlights the stories of military service members who served during the events of 9/11.

Donation site for T2T: jimserger.com or t2t.org

Additional resources include: 911memorial.org

Unbeaten Goshen travels to winless Bethel-Tate, looking to keep its best start to a season since 2017 going.

The Warriors have the highest-scoring offense in the SBAAC at 41 points per game and are allowing a conference-best 6.3 points per game.

Junior Caden Slusher continues to build off a successful sophomore campaign as the conference’s fifth-highest passer with 415 yards. He has eight touchdowns and three interceptions this season, but he’s a dangerous runner, especially in last week’s victory over Aiken.

Without leading rusher Gage Croley, Slusher rushed for a season-high 123 yards on 14 carries, an average of 8.78 yards per carry.

At the other end, Bethel-Tate is looking for its first win of the season. The Tigers have three offensive touchdowns, and freshman Tanner Armacost took snaps under center last week, throwing four interceptions in the loss to North College Hill.

Parker Harvey and Camden Aylward are B-T’s most productive players.

Harvey has 98 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, and Aylward has caught 13 passes for 106 yards but hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 1 against New Richmond.

The Warriors have won the last two meetings in 2025 and 2015.

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The Rockets took another step toward that goal Sept. 1 with a 25-20, 25-18, 25-17 victory over two-time divisional champion East Clinton.

Freshman Margaret Kaufman powered the Rockets’ (3-0, 6-4) offense with 11 kills, followed by Alexi Walters and Ella Carlier with seven kills each. Senior Jenna Brown propelled those hooters with 32 assists and contributed nine digs on defense. McKenna McEvoy had 23 digs, followed by 15 from Addisyn Baker and eight digs each from Carlier and Kaufman. Brown and Kaufman each recorded a block.

The win puts the Rockets alone in first place in the National Division, ahead of East Clinton (2-1) and Blanchester (2-1). CNE hasn’t won a National Division title since the 2014-15 season.

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BOYS SOCCER

NEW RICHMOND

The Lions are one of the top teams in the American Division through the first quarter of the season.

New Richmond beat Western Brown, 3-1, Sept. 1, and tied Batavia, 0-0, Sept. 3.

The Lions (3-1-1, 3-1-1) sit in second behind Wilmington (3-0-0, 5-1-0) in the American Division standings.

In the win over the Broncos, Justin Davidson, Shane Lambeth and Ryith Rack each tallied a goal. Lambeth, Brayden Lanigan and Ben Smith each assisted on goals.

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GIRLS SOCCER

BATAVIA

After opening the season with three straight losses, the Bulldogs have won four straight and sit tied with Western Brown in the American Division standings.

The Bulldogs (4-0-0, 4-3-0) have outscored divisional foes 29-0, including a 10-0 win Sept. 1 over Wilmington.

Against the Hurricanes, Averie Layman had two goals and two assists, and Jessica Steiner recorded a goal and an assist. Khloe Davis, Baylee DeVania, Ava Lowe, Melody Miller, Shelby Niehaus and Chelsea Slaughter each recorded a goal.

Two days later, the Bulldogs beat New Richmond, 6-0, behind two goals and an assist from Layman. Audrey Maillett dished out two assists. Davis, Chloe Meyer, Niehaus and Steiner each had a goal.

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BETHEL-TATE

The Tigers grabbed the lead in the National Division after beating Williamsburg, 8-0, Sept. 1.

Maddie Fischer scored four goals and grabbed an assist for the Tigers (2-0-1, 4-0-1). Allie Johnson, Mackenzie Riddle, Brynn Rose and Shelby Swader each scored a goal. Ross had two assists, and Ross and Sandker each had an assist.

Jenna Gay recorded nine saves for B-T.

Quarterback Caden Slusher led the way with 123 yards, while Hayden Hopkins and Cam Telinda also turned in strong performances as Goshen beat 2025 playoff team Aiken, 34-12, to improve to 3-0 and stay on pace for its best start to a season since 2017.

That win over a Division II team gives Goshen (3-0) major points in the Division III, Region 12 computer rankings. The Warriors enter Week 4 ranked fourth in the competitive region, behind Northwest, Chilicothe and Bellbrook, all also 3-0.

Slusher led the Goshen offense both passing and rushing.

He was 11-of-17 for 144 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, and ran 14 times for 123 yards, with a long of 30 yards. Slusher connected with Telinda for his lone touchdown pass.

Hopkins scored twice on the ground, finishing with 70 yards on 17 carries, and Telinda added 65 yards and a score on 11 carries. Brian Miller also scored, finishing with 43 yards on seven rushes.

Goshen’s defense remains solid, allowing just 19 points all season.

Chase Harris led the Goshen defense with eight tackles, five solo, and one pass defensed. Jomar Berg tallied four tackles, one for a loss, two passes defensed and an interception. Ryder Barrial had five tackles and one for a loss.

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