Dexter, Missouri - On Friday, January 11, 2013, Dexter native Tony Sandusky graduated from United States Marine Corps boot camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, Calif.

While in boot camp, Sandusky faced and overcame many adversities; his younger brother, Joshua Sandusky - who was taking the initial steps to join the United States Marine Corps - tragically passed away in December of 2012.

In memory of his younger brother and in honor of his father (Charlie, a retired member of the United States Navy), Sandusky put forth extra effort in everything he did during his final weeks of boot camp.

Not only did Sandusky graduate on time, but he graduated with honors despite missing a week of training.  Out of nearly 500 other Marine Recruits, Sandusky was named Platoon Honor man. 

This position gave him command of 80 fellow recruits and granted him the prestigious honor of wearing his 'dress blues' during the graduation festivities - an honor bestowed on only six other Marine Recruits in his graduating class. 

Following a brief break after graduation, Sandusky will return to San Diego for further training at Camp Pendleton.  He will then transfer to Quantico, Va., for another training session before beginning his assignment as a member of the Presidential Guard in Washington D.C.

Congratulations Private First Class Sandusky - your friends and family could not be more proud of you!