Local football star serving his country

Local Warrior and Ranger football fans will remember him as an outstanding player at Senatobia High School, and at Northwest Mississippi Community College.

For many years, Tony Jackson was a household name among local football fans. These days, he is serving his country in the National Guard, and is on his way to Iraq.

The 24-year-old Jackson, a native of Senatobia, graduated from Senatobia High School and NWCC, and was attending Emporia State University in Kansas on an athletic scholarship, playing receiver for ESU when he was deployed. “I’d like to thank my coach for giving me the opportunity to play football while receiving an education,” Jackson says. “I’d like to apologize to my teammates because I feel like I have let them down, having to leave before the season is over.”
Jackson is majoring in business administration and minoring in health.

According to SFC Kevin Reeves, 155 BCT Public Affairs NCO, Jackson is a 92Y Supply Specialist and 11B Infantry member who has been in the guard for five and half years. Jackson has never been on active duty, except for Basic and Advanced Individual Training. After his tour in Iraq, he plans to return to school to finish his education, and hopes to stay in football for as long as possible. He would like to pursue coaching as another option.

To his family Jackson would like to say, “ I appreciate you being strong. It means a lot to have someone to be there to talk to. Mom, I love you and the Lord will make a way for us,” Jackson said. Jackson is the son of Claude and Mattie Jackson.
Jackson’s message the community: “To the people in Senatobia and Emporia, everybody who ever looked out for me. I appreciate you,” he said.

By LaJuan Tallo, News Editor

Cookies, cookies, everywhere

Last week the soldiers of Troop A, 98th Cavalry got a care package from home. Nearly 6,000 cookies of all varieties were shipped to Camp Shelby courtesy of their Family Support Group (FSG) and DeSoto County Schools. Pictured are (L to R) Lance Smith, Bill Cox, Spec. James Scott, SFC John Moyer of Senatobia, Dennis Scott, and 1Lt Gary Ford. (Photo submitted)

Casey's dream: letters from home

As the leader of his squadron, Casey knows what his men want. They want to hear from us!

Marine Sgt. William C. Brown of Como is currently serving his country in Al Anbar province in Iraq. Brown is the son of Bill and Leslie Brown of Como, and the husband of Deborah Bishop Brown, a nursing student at Northwest Mississippi Community College.

Brown attended Senatobia City Schools from kindergarten through tenth grade and graduated from North Delta School. He attended NWCC where he studied business before joining the Marine Corps in 1996.

Brown’s mother Leslie stated, “He is trying to get letters to his men because some of them never get letters. He wants to get some correspondence going with them. Perhaps Sunday School classes, or school kids can send letters and pictures to them.”

Casey’s call to action

A letter from Brown tells the story:

Suicide Charley or simply 1/2 is my call sign. Casey is what I’m called anywhere other than work. I am in Al Anbar providence Iraq. Last year, as you all know America and coalition forces over threw the tyranny that repressed this country for over three decades. Now our mission is to stabilize Iraq in order to allow the Iraqi people to establish an inter security system that can sustain a democratic government.

Suicide Charley maintained the peace in An Najaf last year by presenting a show of force which overwhelmed terrorist cells and denied any insertion of foreign fighters into the area. When we turned that area of operation over to the coalition forces in October, the buildup of anti-Iraqi forces began. This escalated into what you see on television today, which is not up to par with what the Marines left.

We arrived at our new area of operation where coalition forces were doing all they could do to defend themselves. Their methods of patrolling consisted of mechanized infantry in Bradleys and M1A1 Abrahams thundering through the local towns and absorbing blast from improvised explosive devices which lead to perfidious anti-coalition forces feeling comfortable on the streets because they could hear the tracked vehicles coming. They simply dropped their weapons, stood in place, smiled and waved at the passing patrols. That is not how we as Marines do business. Marines are equipped with the proper gear and psychological training that allows us to travel covertly through city streets under the cover of darkness and hunt down Iraqi’s that refuse to live in harmony with their fellow man. Stealth, superiority of fire power, and Esprit de Corps are our security from the shadow of evil that is seemingly endless here. My men prove daily that they are the ultimate peace keepers of the world. My company Gunny, Gunnery Sgt. Lefeur once said to us, “America does not need a Marine Corps, she wants one.” I repeat that quote as often as needed to keep their spirits soaring in order to allow them to face their fears day after day.

The Marine Corps is made up of a mixture of ethnic groups with a variety of questionable backgrounds. Some of them have no family. They receive no mail rejoicing their sacrifices to their country and ultimately America’s freedom.
What I am asking for, should you choose to accept, is that my men receive a thank you from my home, America. Should it be of the simplest form, they will be grateful. I lead my troops in a prayer before every mission. A couple from home would not hurt either. I am scared for them this time. It is not the same as last year. I can write weekly expressing my Marines’ thanks and paint a picture of their success if desired.

Semper Fi, The Marines

How to write:

Write to them rank, last name, first Initial at the following address:
1/7 C Co 1st Plt.,
Unit 41530,
FPO, AP 96426-1530

Members of Brown’s squad are:

Sgt. Brown, WC
Cpl. Littledave, LJ
L. Cpl. Cruz, C.
L. Cpl. Baker, R.
L. Cpl. Warren
L. Cpl. Walters, C.
Pfc. Mendhen, J.
L. Cpl Short, J.
L. Cpl Ramos, P.

By: LaJuan Tallo, News Editor