By Brian Livingston
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.
