FAIRFIELD, Conn. Justin Magri says he doesnt like attention, but he got his share this week. The Fairfield Warde High School senior was honored by the town for his choice to enter the Army National Guard after his graduation next month.
Magri says he has wanted to go into the military since [he] was little. His father was serving in the Persian Gulf when he was born, and his family is filled with other veterans. Though hes just 17 now, he plans to enlist once he reaches his 18th birthday.
I come from a big military family. My dad, my grandfather, my uncles, they all served, Magri said. Its something that Ive always wanted to do.
Magri also hopes to use his military training to protect his country in other ways. Before he ships off in January, hell spend a semester at Norwalk Community College studying criminal justice. He plans to go into law enforcement, possibly with the Drug Enforcement Agency or the Department of Homeland Security.
The Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors chose Magri as the first honoree of a program the group started this year. Under the Military Support project, it hopes to help soldiers from the past, present and future.
The first step is an annual program, which would thank Fairfield graduates going into the military. But the Realtors also plan to give a hand to returning veterans, via a discount card sponsored by local stores. They will also put together a resource book to help veterans returning home find organizations willing to help them.
Its very comforting knowing that someone who comes home, a town thats so welcoming, that will be able to help folks in the military, Magri said.
At Tuesdays ceremony, U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-4th District, presented Magri with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol building in his honor. First Selectman Michael Tetreau offered an official commendation for the town thanking Magri for entering the service.
Without the efforts of our military and the sacrifices those folks have made, Id be out of a job, Tetreau said. We wouldnt have elected leaders.
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