Ohio continues to be a battleground state, with critical primary elections shaping this November’s generals. Both House and Senate seats are up in August for vacated seats and later in November for the general election.

There are an abundance of veterans and military servicemen and women living in Ohio, making the state a priority for American Veterans Honor Fund (AVHF). Our mission is to represent the needs and values of our veterans, which includes ensuring we support candidates sharing the same goals.

We’ll be using this space during the months leading up to November to profile candidates that align with our mission and the veteran specific issues and policies they advocate for.

One such candidate is Jim Trakas, who ran and won on May 8th in the Republican primary for Ohio House District 6 against Michael Canty. Let’s talk about Jim.

Jim Trakas — A History of Public Service

First and foremost, Jim is a second-generation Greek American who has lived in Independence his whole life. Jim’s dad, Peter, fought in World War II with the 95th Infantry Division in General George Patton’s 3rd Army and his mother Kathy L. Trakas worked at the Veterans Administration before they settled in Independence. Needless to say, his parents’ service profoundly affected Jim’s patriotism, his need for service and the values he holds dear.

Jim started working at age 9 a newspaper delivery boy for The Cleveland Press and later The Plain Dealer. Later he continued to work his way through school employed as a custodian for Independence Public Schools. Jim is a graduate of Independence High School and The Ohio State University.

Jim has a long history of leadership in the Ohio community. In 1991, he was elected to the first of four terms as a City Councilman in Independence. He also served four terms as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives and was a member of the House leadership team.

Throughout his tenure in public service, Jim has worked to make government more innovative and responsive. Among his achievements, Jim is the legislative father of Ohio’s Third Frontier high technology jobs initiative, which has helped bring cutting-edge research and good-paying jobs to Ohio. He also led efforts to make Ohio’s colleges and universities more efficient, with a focus on college affordability and saving tax dollars. Trakas is committed to continuing this work as State Representative.

Jim not only gives in service to political office but dedicates his professional career to serve others in need. Jim is the founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of American Online Learning Center, an online intervention program that helps people with issues such as substance abuse and addiction.

Trakas is a Greek Orthodox Christian and is a member of St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church in North Royalton, while his wife attends the Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus in Slavic Village. Jim is on the Board of FOCUS Cleveland, St. Herman’s House of Hospitality Homeless Shelter and is President of the State Guard Association of Ohio.

For us vets specifically – Jim is currently a 1st Lieutenant and HHC Company Commander, 1Battalion, The Ohio Military Reserve; 4th Civil Support and Sustainment Brigade, a non-combat state defense force authorized by the Ohio Constitution, but did not serve in the Federal military.

Please keep supporting Jim Trakas as he makes his way to November’s election!