Sgt. 1st Class David Jarrett

Carroll County – Two events are scheduled in Carroll County on Memorial Day. The events are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 26 at McKenzie Downtown Memorial Park and Thomas Park in Huntingdon at 7:00 p.m.

In McKenzie, Sgt. 1st Class David Jarrett, a member of the Tennessee National Guard, will address the Memorial Day audience. Bethany and Bendell Ellis will provide entertainment. Everyone is invited to the event which honors the memory of Carroll County servicemen who died in wartime service. Veterans are accorded special recognition with red carnation boutonnieres courtesy of area florists. Light refreshments will be provided by the city of McKenzie following the service.

Jarrett is uniquely qualified to address the wartime sacrifices of comrades whose lives were lost in battle as well as those who survived the rigors of war. Jarrett was platoon sergeant and on duty with his troops when the blast from an exploding IED killed Sgt. Dusty Carroll on July 31, 2005, while deployed in Iraq as a member of Company A, 230th Engineer Battalion. The National Guard unit, which is based in McKenzie, was deployed to Iraq from January 10 to December 20, 2005. Jarrett received the bronze star medal and combat action badge following his wartime service. The bronze star is awarded to persons who distinguished themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement or service while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.

A lifelong resident of McKenzie, Jarrett’s family includes wife Michele and children Zach, Evan, and Morgan. He is the son of Earl Jarrett and Shirley Bell.

Veterans and friends will gather at Thomas Park, Huntingdon at 7:00 p.m. to hear featured speaker Sgt. Daniel Trebilcock, a member of the Tennessee National Guard. Each veteran will receive a red carnation upon registering their attendance. Registration begins at 6:15 for the veterans. Attendees are urged to bring a lawn chair to supplement the seating and to accommodate the attendees. For more information, contact Jeal Atwood at 731-986-2900.

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