Country group performs during award ceremony

Friends, family and guests showed up Tuesday at the Warren County High School auditorium to witness JROTC cadet Jonathan E. Townsend receive a Medal of Heroism Award.

The night began with words from senior JROTC instructor and master of ceremonies Col. Mitch Sartain.

‘The things we teach in the JROTC program are leadership, citizenship and the values that go with that,’ said Sartain explaining why he and 1st Sgt. Tim Howard recommended Townsend for the award. ‘It was our belief as we read the newspaper account of what happened that cadet Townsend demonstrated all those qualities.’

According to Sartain, Townsend also demonstrated loyalty to his family, a sense of duty, respect, selfless service, integrity, bravery, personal courage and leadership that had to come from a good family structure as well as training.

Townsend, then 14, drove his mother to the hospital during a high-risk pregnancy and that act was said to save her life and the life of her unborn child.

The medal was placed on Townsend by Sartain while 1st Sgt. Tim Howard cited the significance of the medal and its symbols:

‘ Sword – Symbolic of courage, determination and heroism.

‘ Palm fronds – Symbolic of an endeavor and achievement.

‘ Silver – Symbolic of the human spirit and noble conduct.

‘ Two stars – ROTC and National Defense Cadet Corps Organization.

The plaque was presented by honored guest and country music performer Cole Deggs. Once presented with the medal and plaque, Townsend was once again humbled.

‘I don’t consider myself courageous,’ said Townsend referring to his swift actions on Sept. 30, 2006. ‘However, I must have had something that morning that allowed me to persevere in what then seemed to be chaos. I don’t know what it was. Maybe it was knowing that I was the only one there that could react and help my mom and brother survive.’

During the concert, Cole Deggs and the Lonesome sang three of the songs that will be on their new CD to be released July 10, while dedicating their last song choice, a top 25 hit titled ‘I Got More’ to Townsend while stating, ‘We need more like you buddy.’

During the honor, Townsend was accompanied by his mother, father and eight brothers and sisters.

Cole Deggs and the Lonesome include Shade Deggs on bass, Jimmy Wallace on keyboards, David Wallace on lead guitar and Brian Hayes on drums.