Clermont County Commissioners recognized county employee and United States Air Force Senior Airman Patrick Nekoranec June 25. From left are Clermont County Commissioner Bob Proud, Clermont County Veterans' Service Commission Executive Director Howard Daugherty, Nekoranec, and Commissioners David Uible and Ed Humphrey.

Clermont County Commissioners recognized county employee and United States Air Force Senior Airman Patrick Nekoranec June 25. From left are Clermont County Commissioner Bob Proud, Clermont County Veterans' Service Commission Executive Director Howard Daugherty, Nekoranec, and Commissioners David Uible and Ed Humphrey.
By Kristin Rover
Sun staff

United States Air Force Senior Airman Patrick Nekoranec, who is also an employee at Clermont County Common Pleas Court, was recognized by county commissioners and his co-workers June 25.

Nekoranec recently got home from serving as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and will return to his job in Clermont County.

“I’ve been here since 2012 and it’s an awesome place to work,” Nekoranec said about the county. “I can’t thank everyone enough for the support.”

In a room packed with his co-workers, Nekoranec was recognized by Clermont County Commissioners and Veterans’ Service Commission Executive Director Howard Daugherty.

“Patrick, welcome home,” Daugherty said. “I am proud of your service and proud of everything you have done.”

Governor John Kasich and Attorney General Mike DeWine also wrote Nekoranec to express their gratitude for his service.

Nekoranec, who is originally from Bowling Green, Ohio, said he grew up in an Army family, but decided to join the United States Marine Corps when he graduated high school.

He said he was deployed to Iraq while serving in the Marine Corps, and when he returned decided to go to school.

“I got out and went to school at Bowling Green and then Wright State,” he said.

Nekoranec said was hired in Clermont County after an internship with the Federal Probation Department. He said he joined the Air Force Reserves in 2010.

He said he enjoys working in the county and serving the country.

“Here it is just perfect due to all the support you receive,” Nekoranec said. “It makes the transition going there and coming back so much easier.”

Nekoranec said it is outstanding to see the support from county officials and his coworkers.

“It makes coming back home more exciting,” he said.