Before kickoff of the Jackson @ Star Valley football game on Friday, both teams and communities came together to pay tribute to U.S. Marine Rylee McCollum and his family. McCollum and 12 other U.S. Service members will killed during a terrorist bombing in Afghanistan in August.

As part of the presentation, McCollum’s father, Jim, was presented a marine emblem. The emblem was created by Mike Gross, owner of Craftsman of Afton Metal Works. The front inscription reads: “In Honor of a Fallen Hero, Lance Corporal Rylee McCollum.” The back inscription reads: “To Jim with love from your JHHS friends from Star Valley.”

The emblem was then enhanced with a copper backing and frame by Star Valley High School’s welding teacher, Shawn Merritt.  He too was also honored to add his creativity to this piece of work, as he himself served in the Air Force as a machine mechanic welder.  Star Valley High School was instrumental in offering the supplies for this part of the project and for making time for this presentation.

The SVHS student body also presented a donation of funds that was raised by the students.