Distinguished Alumni Brad Kesler Brad Kesler graduated from West Vigo High School in 1969. Shortly after graduating from high school Brad attended Indiana State University where he graduated with a bachelors and masters in criminology. After college Brad volunteered to serve in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Benning Georgia during the Vietnam War, where he was a member of the military police and part of the security detail for President Gerald Ford. After his time in the Army Brad spent his career in the Indiana Department of Corrections and served as a juvenile and adult probation officer. During his almost thirty years in the department of corrections Brad helped hundreds of young men successfully transition from prison back into society. Brad always went above and beyond to make certain that the paroles on his caseload, when they transitioned back to society would be good fathers, husbands and productive members of the communities in which they lived. Brad has made a difference in individuals that most people already gave up on. Throughout his life Brad’s accomplishment could be summed up in one word volunteerism. There is not a person over 20 years old in West Terre Haute that does not know Brad. When asked to help raise money for any charity he always says yes and he always the charity make money. His time is always free these events and most of the time he donates the food that he cooks. A conservative estimate of the money Brad helped raise would be over a half a million dollars for the community. It takes a unique person to have this type of heart. Brad is the type of guy that will give you the shirt off his back or the money in his pocket if you are in need. There is little doubt that Brad symbolizes
what is truly good about the town of West Terre Haute and that is giving back to the community. The greatest thing that all of you can learn from Brad is that you volunteer to make a difference in the lives of others and not to make yourself look good. Brad is a devoted husband to his wife Debbie and his children and grandchildren. Please join me in congratulating Brad Kesler for being inducted in the West Vigo High School Hall of Distinction.
