BROCKWAY, Pa. (EYT) – Josh Sherry started out as a volunteer at Mengle Memorial Library, and is now a United States Marine.
Mengle Librarian Darlene Marshall said that he made a lasting impression on the library patrons.
“Everyone enjoyed seeing Josh’s smile at the library and still ask how he is doing,” Marshall said. “Serving his country was his goal, and he achieved that.”
His mother, who also works at the library, said that her pride in her son is also tempered with a little bit of worry.
“I’m a little anxious for him,” Sandy Sherry said. “He won’t be deployed for a few months yet, but the training is grueling. There are no words that express how it feels to see your son for the first time after thirteen weeks of basic training. And then seeing him in his Marine dress blues! Where did my little boy go? I am so extremely proud of Josh.”
Josh Sherry started out setting up chairs and carrying boxes at Mengle Memorial Library. Marshall remembers him as an eager helper.
“Josh began as a volunteer moving furniture to set up for the library’s Winter Wednesday and Surprise Saturday fundraisers,” Marshall recalled.
The Winter Wednesday moved from February to April and is now called Wonderful Wednesday. The library has costumed characters visit the kids at the library, and it also serves snacks to those in attendance.
“He helped during Elmo’s visit for Surprise Saturday, and everyone noted what a fine young man was serving our soups,” Marshall added.
Sherry painted the library office for his Eagle Scout project. He gathered materials, moved everything out of the office, and then put the office back the way he found it when the paint dried.
“He did an outstanding job,” Marshall said. “It was nice to see him lead this project and accomplish this goal all on his own.”
Mengle Memorial hired him as a junior staff member. He worked at the circulation desk, but Marshall said he helped all over the library.
“Josh was the employee called on when you needed boxes, tables, or any other bulky or heavy item moved,” she said.
“He was always willing to carry and move things. His favorite job was organizing the book sale room!”
But from those humble beginnings, a Marine was born. Sherry graduated from basic training on February 8. He is currently off serving his country, going through more training and drawing on the same can-do attitude he exhibited at the library.
His mother said that people back home need to remember to support America’s troops.
“Pray for him and the other troops,” she said. “Semper fi!”
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