Major General Courtney Carr, standing right, presented the Legion of Merit award to Command Sergeant Major Jon Mitchell.

WARSAW — Warsaw Community High School’s JROTC Instructor, Command Sergeant Major Jon Mitchell received the prestigious Legion of Merit award on June 21.

Command Sergeant Major Jon Mitchell

The Indiana Adjutant General, Major General Courtney Carr, presented the Legion of Merit award in front of 210 assembled JROTC Cadets at Camp Atterbury. Cadets from 21 high schools from Indiana and Ohio (19 Army and 2 Marine Corps JROTC programs) were part of the annual JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge. 

Carr spoke about Mitchell’s career path and the strong leadership Mitchell demonstrated throughout his career. Mitchell started his career on active duty and was assigned to an Army Reserve unit as its Postal Clerk during Desert Storm. Mitchell finished his career as the Command Sergeant Major for the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

The Legion of Merit was established by Act of Congress 20 July 1942 and is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States or a friendly foreign nation who has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.

After receiving the 7^th highest award a service person could receive Mitchell said, “It is truly an honor and very humbling. I’m very grateful to have served with some of Indiana’s best.” 

Students interested in taking JROTC at Warsaw Community High School can reach him or his colleague, Major Josellis at (574) 371-5099 or talk to their grade’s guidance counselor.