Spencer graduate receives high military honors

Sgt. Julian M. Jones

A Boone County native has earned the prestigious 2009 Russell Award, awarded to a Military Intelligence Noncommissioned Officer who has shown leadership and meritorious service to the Military Intelligence Corps.

United States Army Sgt. Julian M. Jones, a 2003 graduate of Spencer High School, was presented the award March 3, in Fort Huachuca, Ariz., by retired Command Sgt. Maj. Douglass S. Russell, for whom the award is named, during a worldwide conference of senior intelligence noncommissioned officers. Jones took the award over seven other candidates. He was also presented the Knowlton Award from the Military Intelligence Corps Association.

Command Sgt. Maj. Gerardus Wykoff, the Military Intelligence Corps, Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca senior NCO, stated in the printed program that Jones stood apart from the rest of the competition.

"Throughout this past year, Sgt. Jones has distinguished himself amongst his peers and has exceeded the expectations our Nation has come to demand from our NCO Corps," the program stated. "A Soldier's Soldier and solid leader, Sgt. Jones has set the highest standards for all to emulate. His experience, motivation and expertise are unmatched! His "mission first" attitude and constant pursuit of excellence is reflected in his tactical and technical proficiency. A consummate professional, Sgt. Jones always places the mission and the welfare of his soldiers first. Having true understanding of his role as an MI Noncommissioned Officer, Sgt. Jones embraces his responsibilities and demonstrates loyalty to his Soldiers, Leaders and the Army. He embodies the Be, Know, Do style of leadership and is respected by all who serve with him."

Sgt. Jones is now stationed in Seoul, South Korea until November when he will then be stationed at Fort Lewis in the state of Washington.

Born in Boone, and formerly of Spencer, the 23-year-old graduated from Basic Training in June of 2003 and went to the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif., where he learned Korean. He then completed his Advanced Individual Training in Fort Huachuca, Ariz., and was assigned to BRAVO Company, 524th Military Intelligence Battalion, 501st Military Intelligence Brigade, in the Republic of Korea.

Jones then deployed to Afghanistan in July of 2006, where he served as a tactical human intelligence team leader during a 15-month deployment; a position normally filled by a senior NCO. He conducted more than 40 Enemy Prisoner of War interrogations at a field detention site and was responsible for setting up and maintaining the site, enabling intelligence operations to occur at a remote firebase.

The 2009 Russell Award adds to Jones' already shining military resume, which includes the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Badge he was awarded during his tour in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Jones is the son of Robert and Lisa Jones of Boone, and the grandson of Clavonne Kading and the late Bill Kading of Boone, and Goldie Jones and the late Lee Jones of Ogden.

Greg Eckstrom is the editor of the Boone News-Republican.