In partnership with the Fauquier Heritage and Preservation Foundation, the Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County, Fauquier County Parks and Recreation, and Marshall Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Marshall Moving Forward, a 501c non-profit organization, is sponsoring the year long celebration of the 225th Anniversary of the formation of the territory we know today as Marshall, Virginia (formerly Salem).
We introduce the Marshall Lecture Series.
On July 9, John will be discussing the life of Presley Neville O’Bannon, who became a legend in the U.S. Marine Corps during the First Barbary War in the early days of the 1800s. Lieutenant O’Bannon became the first man to raise a United States flag over foreign soil in time of war.
Our Speaker
Dr. John O’Bannon is a lifelong Virginian who has dedicated himself to caring for others. As a child growing up on a farm in Rappahannock County, John helped his family by selling apples at the family fruit stand near Skyline Drive. John O’Bannon’s leadership abilities became apparent during his schooling. A graduate of Hargrave Military Academy and the University of Richmond, John attended medical school at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV), where he was elected President of the Student Body. Later, as a resident at MCV, he was elected President of the Housestaff Council, served as Chairman of the Dean’s Advisory Committee, and was named Chief Resident in Neurology.
A well-regarded physician, John O’Bannon is a partner in Neurological Associates, a leading Richmond medical practice. He has served as Chief of Staff of Henrico Doctors’ Hospital and has served on the Board of Trustees. He has also served 2 terms on the VCU Health System Authority Board, where he chaired the Quality Committee. His peers have named him one of the “Outstanding Physicians of the Year” in Richmond Magazine’s annual poll. John O’Bannon is a national leader in improving the medical profession. A leader in the American Medical Association (AMA), John served on the AMA Delegation from the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) and served as a member of the AMA’s Council for Ethical and Judicial Affairs from 1997 through 2004. Here in Virginia, John is a past Chairman of the Board of the Richmond Academy of Medicine. He also served as Chairman of the MSV’s Legislative Committee, where he helped pass the Virginia Patients’ Bill of Rights.
John O’Bannon is a leader in our community. He is a member of the West Richmond Rotary Club and has served on the Boards of several organizations including The Virginia Home, Virginia War Memorial Foundation, VPAP, Tuckahoe YMCA, Hargrave Military Academy, The Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth and the Advisory board at the Science Museum of Virginia. A member of the Henrico County Republican Committee, John has been active in numerous federal, state, and local campaigns.
John served in the House of Delegates of the General Assembly of Virginia for 17 years, serving on JLARC and other commissions. He served on the Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee, Appropriations Committee and Privileges and Elections Committee. He is currently Vice-Chairman of the State Board of Elections.
John and Pat O’Bannon have been married for 51 years, and reside in Western Henrico. Pat O’Bannon is a former public school teacher who currently serves as Henrico County Supervisor for the Tuckahoe District. The O’Bannon family attends River Road Church, Baptist. John and Pat have three children, John, Virginia, and Andy, all of whom are graduates of Henrico County Public Schools, and four grandchildren who live in Henrico county and are attending Henrico County Public Schools.