Soldier of the Month

AM AN Marcus McElroy, a native of Houma, is July’s Soldier of the Month.

He is the husband of Katie McElroy, and son of Houma’s Glen and Missy McElroy and Gibson’s John and Corine Ellis.

The U.S. Navy man is an aviation structural mechanic on the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis, which is on tour in the Persian Gulf.

McElroy graduated from Terrebonne High School in 2003. Two years later, he joined the Navy and was stationed in San Diego, Calif., prior to his deployment. He is scheduled to return from the Middle East on Aug. 21, where his wife Katie will join him in Hawaii.

McElroy is slated to finish his military service in 2010.

An exemplary sailor, McElroy was awarded the “Blue Jacket of the Month” aboard his ship. It is an honor given for outstanding performance and leadership.

“Marcus has been working since he was 12 years old to help support his family,” Katie said. “When he graduated from high school, he could not afford to go to college so he joined the military to get an education.

“I am proud of my husband for all he has done for his family, for me, and especially for our country. I love my husband with all my heart, and I pray that he comes home safely,” she added.

For his service to God, family and country, the Gumbo Entertainment Guide salutes AM AN Marcus McElroy.