Jackson man joins Army National Guard; dad handles swearing in

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James E. Jones was recently sworn in to the Missouri Army National Guard by his father, Robert L. Jones.Southeast Missourian

Private James E. Jones of Jackson was sworn in to the Missouri Army National Guard by his father, Major Robert L. Jones, at the Military Entrance Processing Station in St. Louis in December.

Not only is James entering the Guard, but joining in a family tradition as well.

His grandfather, Bobby G. Jones served in the military for 38 years, two years of which were spent in Japan during the Korean War and 16 of which were spent as first sergeant of the 135th Engineer Brigade at Cape Girardeau.

Robert Jones is an executive officer in the 1140th Engineer Battalion at Cape Girardeau. He has served in the military for 28 years.

James Jones will leave for basic training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina in May.

His job back at the 1140th battalion will be land surveyor.

The teen has enlisted for a six-year contract and picked up 100 percent tuition.

James is the 17-year-old son of Robert and Terry L. Jones of Jackson.

For more information about joining the Missouri Army National Guard, contact Sgt. First Class Steve Rhodes at Company B 1140th Engineer Battalion at 243-8826.