(PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
ON THE FRONT LINES … Pictured is DuBois during his time in Afghanistan serving as a Field Artilleryman.
By: Breana Reliford
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The year was 2013. Field Artilleryman Jon DuBois stepped onto the soil of Afghanistan for the first time in preparation for where he would spend the next nine months for Operation Enduring Freedom, fighting, serving, and protecting his homeland.
Army Veteran Jon DuBois was born and raised in Bryan, Ohio. He grew up being very close to his family, which inspired him to serve in the United States Army. Making the decision to serve in the military was “easy” for Jon.
Growing up close with family, who were his role models, inspired him to follow in his family’s footsteps. Risking his own life, he put forth the strength and effort it took to save the lives of others and make our country safer.
He married his high school sweetheart, Mackenzie, in 2021. The two were able to celebrate being united together for the rest of their lives, now that Jon was home to stay. Following that, they gave birth to their daughter, Gracie.
In their free time, Jon and his wife love taking weekend trips and traveling as much as they can. Exploring different cities and visiting different zoos are one of their favorite activities to enjoy as a family.
When DuBois graduated from Bryan High School in 2012, he started his journey in the Army. During boot camp and advanced individual training, he resided in Fort Sill, Oklahoma for four long months.
He served as a Field Artilleryman with Alpha Battery, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade, on Active Duty from 2012 to 2016.
Being a part of the Field Artillery meant being on the front lines of danger, defeating the enemy and suppressing the fear for bravery. Putting all emotions aside and doing whatever was necessary to protect his country.
From 2016-2020, he entered the Reserve for Fort Knox, Kentucky. Although not immediately in combat, he was still aiding the military in other ways and keeping up on his abilities. However, the threat of danger and the journey across the world was just one call away.
He was stationed in Fort Hood, Texas for the rest of the time he spent in the Army. Throughout a long journey all over the world, Jon decided he loved right where he grew up, in Bryan.
Bryan had always held a special place in his heart, as he was raised there, his family was there, and he would soon raise his own family there.
A memory that Jon will always remember is the time he recognized his next-door neighbor, deployed overseas in a country thousands of miles away. “We all just loaded up in the trucks headed out on a mission for the night and we stopped at the chow hall first,” he recalled.
“I went in and grabbed a to-go box the exact same time as another guy and when we went to apologize to each other, we instantly recognized each other.”
“He was my neighbor that was in the Air Force and had lived a few houses down my whole childhood in Bryan, and [he] asked how our dog was doing.”
“We had breakfast for five minutes and that was my only encounter with him my entire life.”
DuBois earned several honorable awards for his service, making his family and community proud. His admirable acts of service inspired many.
HONOR … DuBois is one of many who served in the U.S. Army that we honor for their sacrifice.
During his time, he earned the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with the Campaign Star, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and NATO Medal. These medals represent the sacrifices and achievements made throughout his years of service.
When he finally reached the familiar city limits of Bryan, Ohio, he noticed “Welcome Home PFC Jon DuBois” signs placed on almost every lawn, displayed in the front window of almost every business, and scattered all throughout the city. He was also recognized at the Bryan High School football game that night, honored for his incredible journey.
After safely returning home, Jon decided to take advantage of the beautiful country he lives in. “When I came home from deployment, I decided to drive all the way from Texas to just enjoy what we have because being in a third world country for that long, you enjoy everything you can.”
The overwhelming gratitude he received from the community highlights the small-town support that comes with living in Northwest Ohio.
Currently, Jon and his wife are raising their daughter, Gracie, who is just ten months old. He also works at Spangler Candy Company as a process mechanic.
Husband. Father. Friend. Hometown Hero. Whatever he may be to you, Jon DuBois has lived the role of all four and continues to live life to the fullest each day.
