Red, White & You: Honoring Indiana’s Military Heroes

Indiana has a storied tradition of military service, with countless individuals dedicating their lives to protecting our nation. While words can't fully capture the immense gratitude we feel for our servicemen and women, Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to highlight a few remarkable veterans and active-duty military members from our state. Read about their stories below, and if you know a military hero who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you! Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll take care of the rest.

1. Paul Michael Cauley

Known to many as “PonyTail Paul,” Vietnam veteran Paul Michael Cauley has spent decades honoring and uplifting fellow service members. A combat veteran with the 101st Airborne Division, Cauley served in Vietnam with the 506th Infantry Battalion before beginning a career in construction and a lifetime of veteran advocacy. He has chaired countless commemorative events, including Indianapolis’ “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans” celebration and the 101st Airborne ceremony during the 2017 Indy 500. A founding member of the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans program, Cauley helped recognize over 20,000 Vietnam veterans across Indiana’s 92 counties. In 2024, he was inducted into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame. Read more here.

2. Howard E. Bettner (1925-2025)

World War II Navy veteran Howard E. Bettner of Waldron, Indiana, was awarded the French Legion of Honor in 2024—France’s highest decoration—for his role in the liberation of the country during D-Day. At just 19 years old, Bettner served aboard the USS LST-317, piloting landing crafts to Omaha Beach during the initial waves of the Normandy invasion. Under intense enemy fire, he made multiple trips delivering troops and later returned with wounded soldiers and supplies. He was honorably discharged in 1946. Bettner passed away just shy of his 100th birthday in February 2025, leaving behind a powerful legacy of bravery and selfless service. Read more here.

3. Aletha Calloway

Retired Army veteran Aletha Calloway broke barriers as a Black female soldier in the 1970s, following in the footsteps of her parents and uncles. As the only Black woman to enlist from her graduating class, Calloway faced racial and gender discrimination throughout her military service, but she stood proud in her uniform and paved the way for future generations. Her story highlights the ongoing fight for recognition and equity among women of color in the military. In 2024, she was inducted into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame for her trailblazing service and her continued impact on the veteran community. Read more here.

4. SFC Thomas Baker

Sergeant First Class Thomas Baker of the Indiana National Guard was honored with the Noble Patron of Armor Award for his leadership during the 1st Squadron, 152nd Cavalry Regiment’s mobilization. As senior maintenance sergeant, Baker’s expertise was instrumental to the operational success of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) mission. His dedication to readiness, logistics, and mission success earned the respect and appreciation of the entire 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and the 38th Infantry Division. His contributions highlight the critical role of behind-the-scenes leadership in keeping troops safe and effective. Read more here.

5. Maj. Blake Campbell

Chaplain (Maj.) Blake Campbell of the 434th Air Refueling Wing was named the Indiana American Legion’s Military Person of the Year in the Reserve Category for 2023. A full-time Active Guard Reserve chaplain at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Campbell provides spiritual care, religious accommodations, and confidential counseling to Airmen and their families. Campbell is also a community pastor and active member of his local American Legion. His service—both spiritual and military—reflects his commitment to putting others first and fostering resilience within the military community. Read more here.

Do you know a veteran or active military member who deserves recognition? We’d love to hear their story! Click here to nominate them for a chance to be featured on Patch!