Legion Selects Iraq Vet's Grand Marshal

Master Sergeant Jim DuPont will be the Memorial Day Grand Marshal

MSGT James J. DuPont joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve during the summer, which he graduated from Wheatley High School. After completing boot camp in Parris Island, South Carolina, he was assigned to the local Garden City Reserve Center of 2 nd Battalion 25 th Marines H&S Company Scout Sniper Platoon. During his time with Scout Snipers, he advanced through the ranks from a member of a surveillance team to Platoon Commander. While participating in a routine two-week active duty tour in Norway during February of 1999, Jim was selectively chosen by Headquarters Marine Corps promotion board to rise to the rank of Gunnery sergeant within H&S Company. In assuming this new role, he was responsible for facilitating the training and movement of over 200 Marines.

After the terrorist attack of September 11 th, 2/25 was called to active duty in January of 2002. for the next twelve months, 2/25 was assigned to the 2 nd Marine Division located at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The unit performed many missions during the time they were there including a QRF (Quick Reaction Force) where they remained on 24 hour stand-by to defend against any further terrorist attacks on United States soil. In June of 2002 MSGT Jim DuPont accompanied the command of 2/25 and sailed on the USS Iwo Jima to attend the annual Fleet Week events in New York City. The unit was demobilized in december of 2002 only to be re-activated in February of 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. 2/25 and MSGT DuPont deployed initially to Kuwait until moving north onto Iraqi soil with the First Marine Division to the city of an Nasiriyah. After initial hostilities ceased; MSGT DuPont volunteered to assist with the formation of a new police department and acted in the capacity of a Traffic Station Commander, for which he was awarded his second Navy Commendation Medal. During the occupation of An Nasiriyah, MSGT DuPont and his Battalion assisted with rebuilding the city and donated food and supplies to the local people from the hometown effort of "Operation Ziploc." The Battalion was able to restore law and order and allow the Iraqi people to live in peace without the looming threat of Saddam Hussain.

Once 2/25's tour of duty was completed in Iraq and their roles were assumed by the Italian Army, MSGT DuPont returned to the United States in August of that year to his wife Kathy and his three daughters; Kelly, Susie and Lindsey. Jim wa again selectively promoted during yet another two-week active duty tour in Norway of 2005 to the rank of Master Sergeant. MSGT DuPont is currently serving as the Operations Chief in weapons company 2/25. He has proudly served as a United States marine for over 26 years and considers the opportunity to serve as the grand Marshal for this year's Memorial Day Parade a great honor for not only himself, but also all those who proudly serve in the United States Armed Forces.