Legion Honors Recruits

The American Legion held a send-off ceremony Sunday for two young people from Jasper County who have joined the military and will be leaving soon to begin their careers.

It was the first such event for the Legion but they said they plan to do it annually, in May, in the future.

Stephanie Waters has joined the U.S. Marine Corps and heads out today, July 17, for New Student Indoctrination in Chicago. From there she will go to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla. The paper asked her to keep in touch and let us know what is happening in her career.

She is the daughter of Gene and Kristi Waters.

Dustin Young, Jr. has joined the Army, planning to be a pilot for unmanned aircraft. He heads to Ft. Sill, Oklahoma in three weeks, reporting August 4.

A product of Jasper County Middle School and High School, Mr. Young graduated form Faith Academy where he finished his degree. He is she son of Kendra Pieper and Dustin Young.

The Legionnaires gave the young recruits gift bags and advice. Some of the veterans talked with the youth, and some talked with the parents. The youth got information on the American Legion and some of the recruiters were also at the gathering.