Honor is not only an attitude; it’s an action. As it is given and received, it profoundly improves the lives of all involved.
In this case, the first thread of honor relates to the military service of Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Ed Mechenbier, a fighter pilot whose plane was shot down during his 80th combat mission over North Vietnam. Upon parachuting to the ground from his crippled plane, he was taken captive and held as a Prisoner Of War (POW) for nearly six years at the infamous “Hanoi Hilton”—enduring torture, starvation, and isolation—before being released from captivity in 1973 as U.S. combat troops withdrew from the Vietnam War.
Meanwhile, an abandoned baby girl was found by a nun at the side of the road near a public market outside of war-ravaged Saigon. She became one of more than 3,000 children evacuated from South Vietnam through “Operation: Babylift” as Saigon fell in 1975.
The child would soon be adopted by Ed Mechenbier and his wife through their church in Fairborn, Ohio. She became Mahli Xuan Mechenbier, now a senior lecturer of English who has taught at ֱ State Geauga/Twinsburg Academic Center (TAC) since 2006.
Fifty years on, Prof. Mechenbier seeks to honor her father, who has dedicated his life to helping others, through the establishment of a new endowed scholarship for military servicemen and veterans.
“In honor of a legacy shaped by service, resilience, and gratitude, Mahli Mechenbier has established the Major General Ed Mechenbier Military Service Endowed Scholarship for veterans and active military students at ֱ State University at Geauga and TAC,” states Associate Director of External Relations Rebecca Gierman.
“This scholarship reflects the Mechenbiers’ profound personal journey. Their lives, defined by extraordinary experiences and enduring strength, are deeply tied to ֱ State’s mission of access, reflective learning, and transformation. By supporting those who serve, this scholarship not only honors the Mechenbier family's unique legacy but also uplifts future generations of military-affiliated students who embody the same perseverance and purpose.”
Prof. Mechenbier says, “Dad strongly believes in paying it forward and supports all veterans who serve. It’s also important for Dad to give back to this military-friendly designated campus, which has contributed to my professional development as a faculty member and as a member of the larger ֱ State community.”
Maj. Gen. Mechenbier explains, “The young men and women who choose to serve in our nation's military make a unique statement when they agree to the Articles of the Code of Conduct. Article 1 reads, ‘I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.’ No other career, job, office, or employer asks that commitment. This scholarship is a way to recognize that an individual who has honorably made that statement.”
He adds, “The transition from military life to a new career in the civilian world can be challenging financially until the person is trained and employed. This scholarship is intended to encourage transitioning military veterans to continue to develop those skills needed for their new life.”
Taking his harrowing combat and POW experience into account, one may wonder how adopting Mahli may have become a healing response to that trauma.
But the former POW rejects that notion. “Adopting Mahli was in no manner part of a healing process. We were given the opportunity to adopt a child who happened to be Vietnamese. We all have a commitment to help those in need, and adopting Mahli was purely an act of love and mercy, which was as much for my benefit as hers. There was no healing or trauma easing.”
Prof. Mechenbier adds, “Dad is aware that both he and I are survivors of circumstances which could have easily gone very badly. He embraces a positive attitude and is grateful for every life moment.”
In that spirit, Maj. Gen. Mechenbier leads an in-person weekly support group for incarcerated veterans at Marion Correctional Institution.
“He recognizes that his concerns and emotions upon his release after his nearly six-year imprisonment in North Vietnam are the same as the concerns and emotions of incarcerated individuals in our prison systems,” his daughter explains.
“Fear of being labeled, nervousness about reconnecting with family, apprehension in adapting to societal changes, and hesitation about re-integrating into the workplace are commonalities Dad shares with the support group. Dad has lived through these transitional issues and is humbled that he can help others from his experiences as a POW.”
ֱ State Geauga/TAC will present the first Major General Ed Mechenbier Military Service Endowed Scholarship award this fall, earmarked for any veteran or current member or reservist in the U.S. Armed Forces, or a current ROTC student enrolled in at least three credit hours at KSU Geauga or Twinsburg Academic Center.
The scholarship helps to offset costs associated with fees, supplies, or any aspect of education at ֱ State Geauga or TAC.
Students can apply online through Scholarship Universe. The portal for the 2026-2027 academic year will be open Oct. 1, 2025 – May 15, 2026. The scholarship committee at KSU Geauga will select the recipient(s) each fall.
Respect, duty, humility, and gratitude are the distinguishing characteristics of the honor exemplified in the Mechenbier family. This fuels their desire to take action and honor those who serve while upholding our nation’s highest ideals and way of life, including the pursuit of higher education at ֱ State Geauga/TAC.
[Pictured below are General Ed Mechenbier, Dean Angela Spalsbury, and Professor Mechenbier]
