Randy Gentry receives Sagamore of the Wabash Award
Gentry was presented with the Sagamore of the Wabash, which is the highest honor that the Governor of Indiana bestows. Gentry has served and has been appointed to various roles by two different Indiana Governors, the Indiana Secretary State, the Indiana State Treasurer, and by President Donald J. Trump. In nearly 50 years of politics, he has served on three U.S. Presidential campaigns, numerous Gubernatorial campaigns, and has helped numerous local campaigns right here in Vigo County.
'It's just an honor to have a governor award a Sagamore of the Wabash to anyone,' Gentry said. 'I felt very honored by the process and the experience, so just kind of coming off of Cloud Nine at this point. It's just been kind of a whirlwind weekend, and lots of text messages and emails and well wishes, so it's been a lot of fun.'
Gentry currently serves as the Executive Director of External Affairs for State Treasurer Daniel Elliott.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
24 minutes ago
- Buzz Feed
21 Veterans Share Honest Thoughts About Donald Trump
Recently, we asked active and reserve US military members and veterans to share what they honestly think about Donald Trump and his administration, and they didn't hold back. Amid jeopardizing America's relationships with long-standing allies, Veteran Affairs layoffs, and — among many other things — deploying troops to intimidate the American people, here's how veterans are reacting: "Trump lacks any integrity and is the first president in my lifetime to blatantly use the military as political pawns. I served for 21 years, and I never thought I'd see the day that a president would politicize soldiers while speaking to them as he did at Fort Bragg. It's reprehensible and sad that our military has come to this. For those service members who are okay with this, you need to realize that Trump is breaking down your trust with the American public by egging soldiers on to cheer at a clear political message. This won't bode well for the stature of the services. Senior officers better get off their asses and do something before it's too late!" —smartcentipede134 "As a Vietnam veteran, I am appalled at what our country is becoming under Trump and the Republicans who are condoning all of his actions." "Trump is keeping promises he made during his campaign. I don't like everything about him, but he is 200% better than Biden or Kamala! I served as a combat medic in the US Army 9th Infantry Division, and he has my support 100%." "I'm a retired Navy veteran who's served 21 years for my country. I've been retired since 1993 and have voted for both Republican and Democratic presidents. I honestly have to say that Trump is the worst president elected in my lifetime. He was disrespectful to the late Senator John McCain by making comments about him being captured and spending time as a prisoner of war. But at least McCain served his country. Trump makes everything about himself; he's an adulterer and a convicted felon. What other president found it necessary to use the military to celebrate his birthday, spending millions of taxpayer dollars to do so? Trump could be the only candidate on the ballot, but he will never garner my vote." —grumpytrash952 "I retired after 30 years of service. Trump is the exact type of fascist dictator I spent my entire career fighting. Like all other fascist dictators, he only cares for himself. This will end violently." "I am a Vietnam veteran and was in the US Navy from 1964 to 1968. Trump is doing just as I'd hoped. The outlaw Dems are hindering him, but he is a fighter. Trump is not going to touch Social Security, Veterans Affairs, or healthcare. My wife and I are trying to survive solely on my Social Security. DJT, keep on keeping on. God bless and good luck." "Retired Air Force here. If I were active duty, I'd retire or resign immediately, because I wouldn't be able to support Trump's actions and his attempts to create false conditions to declare martial law so he can rule us. He's a coward and a bully. If Congress won't stop him, then the courts must. Otherwise, we must get ready for a potential civil war." "I am a veteran of two branches of military service with honorable discharges from both. I served during the Gulf War and the War on Terror after 9/11, and I grew up in a household with a US Marine Corps aviator. My dad retired after over 20 years of service, and as much as I miss him, I'm glad he passed before he could witness the embarrassment of the person who currently holds the office of President of the United States. Dad always preached that you don't have to respect the man, but you must respect the office." "But Trump has insulted the military and our veterans, and he continues to trample our Constitution. I was taught that my oath of office was to uphold the Constitution, and I seem to remember something about refusing orders that were morally questionable or violated our oath. I'm not embarrassed by my service, but I'm embarrassed by our president."—beaunamy15 "I am a veteran who has voted for Trump in all three elections. I believe that voting for him this last time was one of the biggest mistakes of my life. Seeing how cowardly he acts toward our enemies makes me sick. He is turning our best allies against us while trying to befriend the dictators we swore to prevent from prospering. Trump is single-handedly trying to crash the American economy and make life harder for everyone except for the 1%. He expects the American people to bend the knee as if he were a king. I fear for the direction our country is headed." "I am a USAF Cold War and Vietnam-era veteran and registered Republican. I was appalled by the ensuing damage Trump did to our country internally and internationally during his first term, which he ended with an attempted insurrection. The next four years were spent correcting much of the damage, only to have it totally destroyed in less than six months by Trump and his inept administration. Although I'm not totally convinced it will happen, my hope is that our congress and courts of law will have the fortitude to shut Trump and his administration down." "In 1971, my draft number was 85, and I joined the Navy at the end of the Vietnam War. I retired in 1994 during the first Gulf War, and I was a registered Republican until Trump came on the scene. He lacks the knowledge, ability, and heart to be Commander in Chief. He dodged the draft five times, called military members 'suckers and losers,' is a 34-time convicted felon, was divorced four times, and the list goes on and on. He has NO place in politics, and he is the WORST president ever. This isn't over, but we don't know how it will end. Let's pray the Constitution survives." "I have served 22 years for my country. This clown that was elected to represent us all is, by far, the most corrupt president to date. He thinks he can do anything and disrespect anyone; he has done nothing to unite this country for the better. Additionally, the Supreme Court is a joke and just as corrupt as Trump. I served to protect and defend and follow lawful orders, not a dictator." —superlatte284 "I'm a 21-year retired SFC war veteran. Trump is doing a fine job so far. All of these idiots using the hyperbole that Trump is the 'worst president ever' need to get a clue. He's not perfect, but he is 1,000 times better than the clown we had before him. Many of you KNEW Biden was compromised in more ways than one and said nothing. NOTHING. So, sit back and enjoy the next four years of Trump, because you were too cowardly to speak up against Biden." "I am a six-year Navy veteran and a three-year Army veteran who was honorably discharged under medical conditions at 100% disability, and I thank God that President Trump is in office. It is about damn time we have someone in office who knows business and isn't afraid to stand up for AMERICA FIRST! We have been on the shitty end of the stick long enough, paying the rest of the world's bills for squabbles between countries, and I'm glad that Trump put a stop to it and the wasteful spending of the Democratic party." "As a 20-year retired Army veteran, I've served under numerous leaders and have supported generals, Secretaries of Defense, and Chiefs of Staff. Leadership matters, and this administration has made it clear that reckless governance weakens institutions. I once encouraged young people to consider military service. Now, I can no longer offer that advice in good conscience. This turbulent area will pass, but not soon enough." "As an Air Force veteran, I am insulted by those who don't understand how Trump is disobeying the Constitution. Any ex and current military member who doesn't feel the same should be ashamed of themselves. Biden wasn't a great president, but he was a good one who dug us out of a deep hole that the previous Trump administration put us in. To deny what Biden did is to deny reality; Biden wasn't corrupt like Trump. Any president who openly states they are unsure if they have to uphold the Constitution should be immediately impeached. It is also shameful that the other two branches of government don't seem to have the morals or decency to stand up to Trump. If America survives, history will surely look at this period as a far darker time than during the Civil War." —Anonymous "I'm a 24-year veteran and a three-tour combat veteran. I am struggling to understand veterans who like him. This behavior is not okay in any form. People actually believe the stuff Trump and his administration say, and it makes me embarrassed and angry. I will definitely fight against the MAGA community if it comes to it. My country and its three WORKING forms of government NEED TO WORK CORRECTLY!" "I'm an 80-year-old combat veteran of the Marine Corps, and I find the current administration incompetent, shameful, and dangerous. Trump and his enablers would benefit from devoting more time to self-reflection, self-improvement, and self-discipline. Instead, it seems to me that with their power-hungry appetites, they favor self-aggrandisement, money-grubbing, and boot-licking." "As a former active duty, combat arms platoon leader during the 1970s, I learned leadership principles from the world's finest leaders. The first lesson I learned and practiced every day was to take care of your people. We were taught that you are responsible for your people's well-being, which included giving them realistic training, adequate shelter, food, health, and pay and promotions. Trump doesn't give a damn about taking care of anybody but himself." "I'm a Cold War veteran who served for four years on active duty when the Soviet Union was a real threat. Now, the biggest threat to my country is the current administration in DC. I never did think that there would be troops deployed against our fellow Americans just because the president gets offended when someone calls him out on his lies. Every single day, there's a new lie fed to the MAGA cult. It's absolutely disgusting and disgraceful. Service members swear an oath to the Constitution, not to a person. We are obligated to disobey orders that are illegal. We need military leadership to stand up and call him out for his actions." —John, 55, Connecticut "The convicted felon residing in the White House is a true danger to all of democracy. I served 10 years in the Army and am proud to have served. I worked closely with other NATO soldiers and know what they admired the United States for. I look around now and wonder what happened. Felon Trump and his asslicking, self-serving sycophants have created an image of our country that embarrasses and frightens me as a father and grandfather." If you're an active duty or reserve US military member or a veteran, what are your thoughts on Trump's presidency so far? Let us know in the comments, or you can anonymously voice your thoughts using the form below.
USA Today
24 minutes ago
- USA Today
Texas AG asks judge to arrest Beto O'Rourke for redistricting battle fundraising
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is asking a judge to jail Beto O'Rourke, claiming the former Democratic congressman violated a court order by fundraising to support the dozens of state Democratic lawmakers who have fled the state amid its redistricting battle. The attorney general's request builds on a previous order, granted by a Texas county judge earlier this month, barring O'Rourke and his nonprofit, Powered by People, from raising money to help fund the Democratic lawmakers' exodus from the state more than a week ago. Paxton claimed in his filing to the Tarrant County court on Aug. 12 that O'Rourke violated the fundraising block by soliciting donations through the Democrats' ActBlue platform. "He's about to find out that running your mouth and ignoring the rule of law has consequences in Texas," Paxton said in a statement released alongside the filing. "It's time to lock him up." Paxton's move is the latest in growing escalations between Democrats and Republicans in the Lone Star state, as the standoff over GOP attempts to redraw congressional boundaries in Texas. The redistricting attempt could add another five Republican seats to Congress ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, and is seen as blatant gerrymandering efforts by Democrats. In response, Democrats decamped the state en masse, many taking refuge in blue-led states like Illinois and New York, to prevent the vote from taking place in Austin, Texas, where the Republicans' firm majority would all but guarantee the revised maps pass. Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the arrest of the dozens of Democratic lawmakers who have fled while Paxton asked the state Supreme Court to oust them from office over their absence, arguing they abandoned their seats. Texas redistricting: Which states have threatened to redraw their own maps in response to Texas GOP plans? In the first sentence of the court filing, Paxton quoted the former congressman at an Aug. 9 Fort Worth event saying: "There are no refs in this game, f--- the rules," claiming O'Rourke was "disparaging' the previous court order. In response, O'Rourke posted the full clip of his speech at the event to X, saying that Paxton took his words out of context in the filing. In the full recorded video of the speech, O'Rourke is speaking about the Democrats' attempts to put forward their own revised maps in states like California, New Jersey, Maryland, and Illinois, telling the crowd that blue states should redistrict now and "not wait for Texas to move first." "You may say to yourself, 'Well, those aren't the rules,'" O'Rourke says immediately after speaking about the Democrats' redistricting efforts. "There are no refs in this game, f--- the rules, we are going to win. Whatever it takes, we are going to take this to them in every way that we can." O'Rourke said in his post on X on Aug. 12 that the attorney general's office lied in its filing. "We're seeking maximum sanctions in response to his abuse of office," he said. "Taking the fight directly to this corrupt, lying thug." Along with jail time, the attorney general is also requesting O'Rourke be held in contempt and fined $500. Kathryn Palmer is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kapalmer@ and on X @KathrynPlmr.
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
South Carolina lawmaker proposes redrawing congressional districts
YORK COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — As Republican lawmakers in Texas push to draw new maps to pick up additional seats in Congress, a similar idea is being floated in South Carolina. York County Congressman Ralph Norman, who is running for Governor, wants state lawmakers to redraw districts in a way that would push out the state's lone Democratic Congressman, Jim Clyburn. Norman told Fox News last week that the legislature should make changes to both increase Republican control in Washington and help advance President Trump's agenda. Western Carolina Political Science Professor Chris Cooper told Queen City News that changing even a single seat could have a major effect on the balance of power. 'It is really a marginal difference between who has the majority and the minority, and given what seems likely to happen in Texas, perhaps in California, perhaps in New York, the Republicans and Democrats are going to try to gain every seat they can,' said Cooper. Clyburn represents South Carolina's sixth district, which includes the southern parts of the state and portions of Columbia and Charleston. In an interview with CNN, Clyburn argued Norman was looking for attention and said he doubted the state or voters would support the move. Cooper said Norman is likely trying to get the President's attention, as an endorsement would be crucial in the race for Governor. 'Clearly this is a call to say 'hey Donald Trump, I hear you, I'm your candidate. I'm willing to go to the mat for you. Please endorse me, pretty please endorse me.' But at the same time, this may be the way the future is going to look. It's not like South Carolina will be on its own if this happened,' added Cooper. The decision to redraw maps rests with lawmakers in Columbia, and Cooper added that any changes would likely trigger lawsuits claiming racial gerrymandering, that the legislature would be accused of preventing African Americans from being able to select the candidate of their choice. As of now, there are no signs that state lawmakers will take it up anytime soon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
