Justin Todd Michel, a 17-year veteran of the US Army, is remembered in West Point where he grew up as a good football player and the local paper boy where he continued to excel in everything he did.
His military career is following the same pattern.
Michel was recently promoted to major. Michel, a member of the Rangers and a member of the Special Forces has been deployed to Iraq twice spending one tour of duty with the Special Forces and another as captain and commander of his own unit. Michel's unit suffered only one person injured during his time as commander. His unit was then disbanded and Michel became commander of "The Old Guard" at Arlington National Cemetery where he oversaw up to 13 veteran funerals per day.
The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment, "The Old Guard," is the Army's oldest active Infantry Regiment and is the Army's premiere ceremonial unit and escort to the President of the United States.
Michel is the son of Joey Michel of Meridian, and Faye Michel of Lauderdale. He is the grandson of the late Joe Michel of Meridian and the late Parker Gray of Lauderdale and Sallie Gray, a resident of Golden Living Center in Meridian.
After graduating from West Point High School, Michel attended Northeast Community College for two years on a football scholarship. He then enrolled at Mississippi State University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. He is currently stationed at Ft. Leavonworth, Kansas where he continuing his education, working on his Master's Degree in Sociology.
In other military news, US Air Force Airman Dominique Adams graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Barbara Adams of Lizzie Road, Meridian, Miss.
Adams is a 2009 graduate of Southeast Lauderdale High School, Meridian.
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Soldier receives promotion
Another local soldier graduates basic training
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Morning update for Wednesday, May 30, 2012
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In memory of those who died
A 21-gun salute is a common part of any Memorial Day program.
But the release of 21 snow white doves representing the peace we enjoy today because of those who have fallen in battle was a rare treat of the Second Annual Memorial Day Program held Monday afternoon at Magnolia Cemetery in Meridian. -
Choctaw Expressions to be showcased
The Mississippi Craft Center will present Choctaw Expressions as the featured cultural and historical exhibit for the month of June.
The presentation will showcase the rich and unique heritage of the Mississippi Choctaw Indians with traditional cultural arts and artifacts. The exhibition is set to open to the public on Friday, June 1 at 10 a.m. The Mississippi Craft Center, located in Ridgeland, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission and will highlight this unique event through June 30. -
Earth’s Bounty Festival Saturday
Residents in the Meridian area will have the opportunity to purchase locally grown or made products throughout the summer and fall through the Earth’s Bounty festival.
The expanded version of the current farmer's market will take place on the first Saturday of every month from June-November at Singing Brakeman Park in Meridian near Union Station. -
WWI soldier’s family receives Purple Heart
About three weeks before the end of WW I, two young officers with the 320 Machine Gun Battalion crept through the battered moonscape of France on a mission to find new positions for their weapons.
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Man dies of gunshot wound
Investigators with the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department are investigating a shooting incident that occurred Saturday morning in which one person died.
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Leading Edges uses technology to enhance advertising
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Meridian soldier to receive posthumous Purple Heart
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