Cincinnati Bengals Community | Salute To Service

With 13 years of military service in the United States army national guard, josh has trained in engineer tasks, combat lifesaver courses, and combative instructor courses. In 2017, josh was promoted to a squad leader role and moved to a unit in San Angelo, Texas. When hurricane Harvey struck the gulf coast, josh led a platoon of soldiers to aid families with storm clean-up, food and water distribution, and facilitated egress paths for flood water. After a successful validation, josh moved back to the Ohio national guard and aided covid-19 support missions for the state of Ohio. The Bengals honored Josh Pittman as the Hometown Hero on January 15 at Paul Brown Stadium against the Las Vegas Raiders.

As a retired US Army Officer, an entrepreneur, and a community advocate, Woody has inspired change in the Tristate area. As the President and COO of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Woody had made it his mission to strive for the inclusive freedom for all people and is encouraged by the freedom center's current trajectory to be a beacon of hope, freedom, and change in our community as we become a more fully equitable and inclusive nation for all people. Not to mention, Woody has been a proud Bengals season ticket member since 2010. The Bengals honored Woody Keown as the Hometown Hero on January 2nd at Paul Brown Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs.

With 20 years of military service in the United States Army, Stephen has completed 4 tours overseas. Including tours in Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Stephen has been honored for his service as he has been awarded the bronze star with valor, army achievement medal, national defense service medal, and the global war on terrorism expeditionary medal. Since leaving the army, Stephen has started his own two companies and is a proud Bengals season ticket holder. The Bengals honored Stephen Williams as the Hometown Hero on December 26th at Paul Brown Stadium against the Baltimore Ravens.

Michael is the District Chief of the risk management unit and currently holds the position of task force leader for the Ohio-Task Force 1 FEMA search and rescue team. Michael played a key role in building the specialized rescue program within the Cincinnati fire department, and is an original member of the newly created heavy rescue 9. As a part of his role with the Cincinnati fire department, Michael had responded with the nation's federal emergency management agency urban search and rescue team. Notable responses have been: the world trade center, the recent Champlain Towers collapse in surfside Florida, and multiple hurricanes such as Sandy and Harvey. The Bengals honored Michael Cayse as the Hometown Hero on August 29th at Paul Brown Stadium against Miami Dolphins.

Josh is a Lebanon, Ohio native, and is a proud graduate of the University of Cincinnati and the Ohio State University. With over 20 years of service, Josh has commanded soldiers at the company and battalion level. He served as the Director of Army Operations and Director of Strategy and Plans. Josh is a combat veteran of operation Iraqi freedom and was deployed in support of the Kosovo campaign. Josh is honored with a bronze star medal, 4 meritorious service medals, 5 army commendation medals, and was inducted into the order of Saint George and the order of Saint Barbara military honor societies. The Bengals honored Josh Quantz as the Hometown Hero on September 12th at Paul Brown Stadium against the Minnesota Vikings.

Jon graduated from the US Naval Academy, and upon graduation, was 1 of 16 midshipmen selected for navy seal training. Jon graduated first in his class of 140 seal candidates and was named the honor man for overall performance and leadership. While in the navy seals, Jon operated as a platoon commander for seal team 3, leading multiple exercises and covert operations in the Middle East and Africa. After his naval service, Jon followed his passion and launched the team performance institute, a leadership development company. Jon is a trained performance coach and is a featured national speaker on topics such as team development, innovation, inclusion and the power of service. Jon also serves as a board member for a number of Cincinnati non-profits; including the Anthony Muñoz foundation. The Bengals honored Jon Sanchez as the Hometown Hero on September 30th at Paul Brown Stadium against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In 2014, Jeri began her career in the TriHealth breast center, and for the past seven years, has played an intricate role in their overall success. Last year, she received the 2020 servant leadership award for her role in finding different jobs within TriHealth for over 30 team. The Bengals honored Jeri Manning as the Hometown Hero on October 10th at Paul Brown Stadium against the Green Bay Packers.

In 2014, CJ began her career with the Air National Guard as a flight nurse and has completed over 170 flight hours and has participated in more than 100 sorties. CJ has been celebrated for her contributions by receiving the Air Force achievement medal, the 2021 Florence nightingale inter-professional team leader nominee, and is featured in the newly released book, ER nurses, which recognizes two local nurses by honoring the true stories of America's greatest unsung heroes. The Bengals honored CJ Adams as the Hometown Hero on November 7th at Paul Brown Stadium against the Cleveland Browns.

In 1989, Meredith began her career as an educator and has since been an advocate for Fuel Up to Play 60 programs. In her 30 years, Meredith has received over $48,000 of funding for programs such as indoor and outdoor fitness equipment, rowing machines, heart zone monitors, and smoothie and breakfast carts. Through these for Fuel Up to Play 60 programs, Meredith has positively impacted over 300 students. The Bengals honored Meredith Ervin as the Hometown Hero on November 28th at Paul Brown Stadium against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In 2018, Gage began his career in the Air National Guard at Lackland Air Force Base, and then quickly graduated from command and control battle management operations tech school at Luke Air Force Base. That following year, in November of 2020, Gage was deployed to Al Dhafra Air Force Base in the United Arabian emirates for six months. Now following his father's footsteps in law enforcement, Gage will be joining the police academy while working at the Fayette County Sheriff's office. The Bengals honored Gage Martin as the Hometown Hero on December 5th at Paul Brown Stadium against the Los Angeles Chargers.

With 13 years of military service in the United States Marine Corps. Ron has traveled to 9 countries and participated in operations with regimental combat team 1 in Fallujah, Iraq. In 2010, Ron was honored as the 2010 US Marine Corps Non-Commissioned Officer of the year award. Post military service, Ron currently serves as a registered nurse in Cincinnati and also serves as the equipment and operations manager for the Archbishop Moeller high school football team. In the winter, Ron enjoys collecting and donating new sleeping bad to the homeless. The Bengals honored Ron Stump as the Hometown Hero on December 12th at Paul Brown Stadium against the San Francisco 49ers.