THS Class of 2015 Graduate Receives a Hero's Sendoff

Troy MI

06 May, 2020

3:07 PM

Description

THS Class of 2015 Graduate Receives a Hero's Sendoff When Jon Hornsby was a student at Troy High School, getting to the finishing line of graduation in 2015 was an important milestone, with participation in the school's lacrosse and football teams and Peer Mediation along the way. From there, it was college at Northern Michigan University, and then graduation in 2019. Now, this past Sunday, Jon reached yet another milestone as he was celebrated with a very special send-off here in Troy, as he prepares to join the US Army Special Forces. 50 cars full of family, friends and well-wishers surprised Jon at Troy High School with a parade of support. They were joined by a Troy Police Department fire truck, 3 vintage military trucks, a classic Camaro pace car, representatives of GM's veteran's group, along with local cub scouts, favorite teachers and coaches, and THS principal Remo Roncone and Assistant Principal Dan House and their families. His mother Therese was delighted with the surprise: "Jon was thrilled and humbled during the parade on Sunday. He saw the first car and then the fire truck and could not believe this was all for him." Jon departed for Ft. Benning, GA on May 4th, where he will begin basic training and learn all the fundamentals of soldiering. Following this, he plans to attend their airborne training courses, and from there he will enroll in the Army Special Forces Qualification Course to earn his green beret – a longtime dream of his. "He has always wanted to serve the military in uniform – to test himself, and to be the very best that he can be," said family friend Army Lt. Col. George Baker. Despite the unique and uncertain circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jon's proud friends and family rallied to show their support and give the young hero a grand send-off to the beginning of his military career – social distancing, masks, and hand sanitizer included. No one was prouder than Jon's mother, who said "I am so proud of the man Jon is becoming. Jon has a strong faith, high moral character, is a great friend and an awesome son and brother, who truly loves his country and wishes to defend its democratic principles. Jon always gives 100% and I am looking forward to great things from him." "We all are," concluded Lt. Col Baker: "Our gathering was a show of strong community at a frightening time when we're all feeling isolated…a show of support for an emerging hero who will continue to make us all proud, in the military or on any career path. Jon is a good man in every way and highly respected by all who knows him. He knows he's not alone, and that his family, Troy community and the Good Lord are with him wherever he serves." # # #