U.S. Marine Corps veteran Dustin Mayer of Warsaw is April’s Kosciusko County Veteran of the Month. He was honored at the Kosciusko County Commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday, April 12. From left: Kosciusko County Veteran Service Officer Darryl McDowell, Commissioners’ Vice President Brad Jackson, Mayer, Commissioner Bob Conley and Commissioners’ President Cary Groninger. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Warsaw’s Dustin Mayer has been named the April Kosciusko County Veteran of the Month.

He was recognized at the Kosciusko County Commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday, April 12. County Veteran Service Officer Darryl McDowell presented Mayer with a plaque and read biographical information on him, including the following.

Mayer was born on Aug. 16, 1974, in Goshen to Karen Boggs and Larry Mayer. In 1989, he moved to be with his grandparents Billy and Donna Mayer at Ridinger Lake near Pierceton. He spent a lot of time with his uncle and aunt Douglas and Kirsty Mayer and his cousins.

He was a 1993 Whitko High School graduate and entered the U.S. Marine Corps. that year. He completed his basic training in San Diego, Calif., and also took advanced individual training (AIT) at Camp Pendleton in California and additional schooling in Albany, Ga.

Mayer was then assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Supply, 3rd Force Service Support Group (FSSG) at Camp Kinser in Okinawa, Japan. His work included preparing ships and submarines for deployment by loading containers and counting inventories. He also spent time at the base Motor Pool using the mechanical skills he learned from family and friends growing up.

Mayer, a private first class (E-2), received the National Defense Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and Overseas Ribbon. After being injured by falling down several hundred feet from a mountain during training, he was honorably discharged in March 1995.

Mayer returned to Pierceton and became a certified Class A CDL milk hauler/sampler like his grandfather, transporting milk from farms to various dairies. He has two daughters, Casandra Mayer and Breana Mayer.

Mayer was blessed to receive a miracle in 2018 when his wife, Amy, a nurse, helped save his life when he suffered a major heart attack.

“I want to thank you all very much. It’s very appreciated,” said Mayer after the presentation. “I wanted to include in my message that with Christ, all things are possible. Without Christ, nothing is possible.”

He said he supports several veteran-focused organizations, including 22 Until None, which works to prevent veteran suicide, and “respects and appreciates all of his serving military brethren and those who have served.”

“I love our country very much … I love my county. It’s always been good to me,” he added.