Clifford Riley Class of 1966
An Advocate for Veterans
Cliff Riley graduated from Clermont Northeastern High School in 1966. Upon graduation, Cliff enlisted in the United States Army where he served for 3 years. His service in the Army included two combat tours in Vietnam.
After being honorably discharged from the Army, Cliff entered the insurance industry. For over 50 years Cliff distinguished himself as a leader in the industry and built a thriving business. While building his insurance empire, Cliff began the work that would define his legacy, advocating for fellow veterans.
Cliff’s lobbying efforts were instrumental in the passage of legislation that supported veterans including the Agent Orange Act, the Toxic Exposure Research Act, and a bill that increased the funding of education benefits in the GI Bill. Locally, Cliff helped to build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Union Township, a Veterans Home in Georgetown, a Veterans Service Office in Clermont County, and numerous other memorials across the Greater Cincinnati Area.
As a small reward for his tireless dedication to veterans Cliff was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame in 2019. Members of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame include Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, 6 former Presidents, and Medal of Honor recipients from Ohio.
Inducted in 2014