Larry DeVelvis: A Marine's Journey from Vietnam to a Lifetime of Giving Back

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You probably know Larry DeVelvis as the longtime owner of Jac & Do's Pizza in Findlay, Ohio. But before he became a familiar face in our community, he was a young Marine serving in Vietnam.

In this episode of Our Veterans, Our Stories, Hancock County Veterans Service Office team member and fellow Marine Toby Brown sits down with Larry to reflect on a lifetime of service, hard work and giving back.

Born and raised in Findlay, Larry graduated from Findlay High School in 1968 and chose to enlist in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He shares memories of his training at Parris Island, the realities of combat in Vietnam, the unforgettable brotherhood among Marines and the experiences that shaped the man he would become.

After returning home, Larry went back to work at a local pizza shop and, in 1972, took a leap of faith by purchasing the business. More than five decades later, Jac & Do's Pizza remains a Findlay favorite, built on Larry's belief in hard work, treating people fairly and taking care of the community that has supported him.

But Larry's commitment to service didn't end when he left the Marine Corps.

As a longtime volunteer and coordinator for the local Toys for Tots program, Larry has helped bring Christmas joy to thousands of children throughout Hancock County and surrounding communities.

Throughout this conversation, Larry reflects on the confidence and discipline he gained in the Marines, the friendships that have lasted a lifetime, the challenges he faced after returning home and why giving back means so much to him.

From the battlefields of Vietnam to a beloved Findlay business and decades of community service, Larry's story is a reminder that serving others doesn't end when the uniform comes off.

Our Veterans, Our Stories is presented by the Hancock County Veterans Service Office, preserving the experiences and legacies of the veterans who have helped shape our community and our nation.

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