North Michigan News

State Rep. Ken Borton recently recognized Earl Jones of Prudenville as the hometown hero during the Tip Up Town celebration in Houghton Lake. The event was held to honor Jones for his extraordinary service to the country and his community.

During the ceremony, Rep. Borton presented Jones with a flag that had been flown above the state Capitol. The flag was given to Jones by the Forgotten Eagles of Michigan, a nonprofit organization that supports veterans. In a statement, Rep. Borton expressed his admiration for Jones and his dedication to serving others:

“Earl Jones had a long, storied career serving our country and state. He spent his entire life giving back to others, whether in military service or his work as a first responder. While we can never adequately thank him for his decades of service, I hope our festivities last weekend showed a small glimpse of how truly grateful our community is for his sacrifice.”

Jones' military career began in 1966 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served as a combat medic in Korea for 16 months and was awarded the Combat Medic Badge for his bravery. After leaving military service, Jones reenlisted in 1983, this time joining the Michigan National Guard.

In the National Guard, Jones underwent further training and graduated from the Army Flight Medic program in 1986. He also attended nursing school and became a practical nurse in 1990. Jones' dedication to serving his country was evident when his unit was activated for Operation Desert Storm in 1990. He was stationed in Saudi Arabia, where he worked in the ICU with the 207th Evacuation Hospital.

Jones' commitment to helping others extended beyond his military service. In 1993, he enlisted in the Navy Reserve as a Corpsman, providing medical care for the 4th Marines. Throughout his career, Jones also served as a first responder in various capacities, including 19 years with the Denton Township Ambulance, 11 years as an EMY with the Houghton Lake Ambulance, and 29 years with the Denton Township Fire Department. He also worked with other ambulance services and fire departments in the Houghton Lake area.

Jones retired from service in 2006 as a Sergeant First Class. His dedication and selflessness have not gone unnoticed, and the Tip Up Town celebration was an opportunity for the community to express its gratitude for his sacrifice and service.

The event was a testament to the appreciation and respect that the community holds for its veterans. Rep. Borton's recognition of Earl Jones as the hometown hero serves as a reminder of the valor and sacrifice displayed by individuals like Jones, both in the military and in their local communities.

The Tip Up Town celebration was a fitting tribute to Earl Jones, a man who has dedicated his life to serving others. Through his military service and his work as a first responder, Jones has made a lasting impact on his community. His story serves as an inspiration to others and a reminder of the importance of honoring and supporting our veterans.