Lt. Col. Scott D. Evans has earned a trophy case full of awards during his nearly three decades of service in the Ohio National Guard, but perhaps one of the most deserving is an honor bestowed right here at home.

Evans was recently honored by the Lawrence County Commission who, with the assistance of the Ohio Department of Transportation, dedicated a portion of County Road 373 in his honor and erected a sign proclaiming it as such.

This is a small but fitting token of appreciation for the Decatur Township native who has served his country well and made all of Lawrence County proud.

The list of Evans’ military honors and recognitions is a long one that shows what a small-town boy from Southern Ohio can accomplish with hard work, integrity and dedication to a goal.

Evans entered the military in 1983 when he joined the 216th Engineer Battalion. He served admirably, climbing the ladder onto an officer rank.

Evans has been awarded the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terror Service, Humanitarian Service Medal and Combat Action Badge. He also led the first full battalion of the Ohio Army National Guard to be sent to war since the Korean Conflict.

Evans is certainly deserving of this recognition and we applaud the commission for taking the steps to make this happen.

Making a career out of military service is not for everyone, but everyone can be proud that one of Lawrence County’s sons chose this path and has accomplished much along the way.