We all have our favorite Ohio heroes. John Glenn, for example, or Neil Armstrong or Judith Resnick or Eddie Rickenbaker or Wilbur and Orville Wright.

Notice a theme here? Throughout modern history, bold and brave Ohioans have taken to the skies to improve our lives right here at home. With such extraordinary examples of vision and courage, it is little wonder that we Ohioans have a profound understanding of the word "hero." One thing we know: You don't have to fly to send our spirits soaring.

Every year, Ohio Magazine spotlights Ohioans whose lives of service lift and inspire us. This year's honor roll begins on page 76. Read about these heroes who make Ohio great:

Mary Keith, of Cleveland, who is continuing a tradition begun by her mother to throw an annual back-to-school celebration for children in her inner-city neighborhood.

Garry Beltz, of Green, who led the drive for legislation to allow the careful redistribution of unused portions of deceased patients' expensive and potentially life-saving medication.

Doug Adams, of Cincinnati, who spearheaded a fund drive to equip his city's fire trucks with vitally important thermal-imaging cameras.
Edith Ireton, of Delaware, who has donated more than 130 hand-stitched quilts to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.

Karl Rose, Marcus Allen and Keyvon Barbee, of the Great Lakes Indoor Football League team the Marion Mayhem, who - along with Marion resident Rocky White -rescued a man from a burning car just moments before it exploded.

Bill and Mona Rutger, of Castalia, who created Back To The Wild, a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation and nature education center that has provided aid to thousands of injured and displaced animals.

And the men and women of ReUse Industries, an Albany-based organization dedicated to recycling donated goods for the betterment of others.

We salute them all for keeping their feet on the ground but taking us to the stars.