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Veteran of the Month—Junius A. Johnson

Philadelphia is a city like so many large, populous cities in America with economic and crime problems which trickle down to young people who want to do the right thing.  But sometimes they get caught up in the negative ways of life.

Most young women who made mistakes, especially those who become single parents, will do whatever is necessary to raise their children the right way. When Junius A. Johnson was born on December 3, 1997 in the wild, wild West (West Philadelphia), a new sheriff was in town (his mother, Wanda Johnson).  She decided she wasn’t gonna let the claws of the street get a hold of her son.

She put Juju, as he was known, into St. Donato Charter school where he became an honor roll student. He continued on the honor roll at Freire Charter High School and then attended Widener University for his bachelor degree in criminal justice. While in those schools he joined R.O.T.C. (Reserve Officer Training Corps).

To avoid being involved in a street gang, Juju decided to join the largest gang in America, the U.S. Army, an organization of people trained to protect the values and lives of the people of America and countries that ask for help. Juju enlisted on November 7, 2016 and attended basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia and advanced training at Fort Gordon, Georgia.  His current rank is Private First Class (PFC).

Juju loves community service around the city, including being a camp counselor for years. He also loves tutoring and being a guide at Mercy Philadelphia Hospital.  Juju also loves anything Army related.

Visiting his grandmom, listening to her old-school philosophy and her religious ways of doing the right thing, is a real blessing.  Juju loves what he has accomplished and how proud he has made his mother and family feel.

Junius A. Johnson, stand tall and be proud and thank you for your service.