Starr Waits in San Diego for Marines Basic Training to Begin

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Introducing Jayson Starr, a 2020 graduate of Juda High School, and a recipient of a Ben Jackson Foundation Travel Award.  Starr left early for Marines basic training on Sunday, June 14, 2020 to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA.  However, he is under strict quarantine with his fellow recruits while they wait for Marine Corps boot camp to start on June 29, 2020.  While Juda is a very small, rural town in Wisconsin, sunny, busy San Diego will be a big and exciting change.

Pam Green, Jayson’s future stepmom, says Jayson has been wanting to join the Marines since he was a little kid, so this is his dream.  It has been a tough last few months with the quarantine, and limited school and contact with friends, but the family got to spend a lot of time together.  As he left for San Diego, Starr knew he was going to miss his family and friends, but was also excited to embark on this incredible life journey.

Jayson Starr

Like many high school graduates this year, due to the COVID-19 quarantine, Starr celebrated his high school graduation with his family virtually.

Starr will spend the summer completing basic training and is expected to graduate at the end of September, and his family is hoping they will be able to travel out to San Diego to see his graduation.  Currently in quarantine, Starr cannot leave his room, having to do his Physical Training in room, limit contact and has no phone.  He cannot call his family, only they can call him. In these unique and historical times, the tests of will, patience and courage in the face of the uncertain future are skills that will be valuable to the young future Marine.

Throughout school, Starr was very involved in sports, playing all year round in football, wrestling, and track and field.  He loves to hunt and fish and spend time with his friends.  The skills he obtained in discipline, sportsmanship, camaraderie, and fortitude will serve Starr well as he pursues his career in the Marines and faces physical and mental challenges along the way.

Starr has had several family members also serve in the military over the years.  He has 3 younger brothers and a younger sister, who will all miss him, but are excited for this new chapter in his life.

We would like to thank Jayson Starr for his future service, dedication to our country, and wish him the best of luck in San Diego!

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