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Show C4 Castle Valley Review, April 2009 Soldier Gets Big Surprise as He Returns Home from Tour in Iraq Kathy Ockey It is always a great occasion when a young man returns safely from Iraq, but friends and family made it an especially exciting homecoming when returning soldier, Jason Judd, was surprised with the first car he had ever purchased. It had been completely restored and was presented to him on his arrival home in Castle Dale. Jason was born in Page, Ariz., and he and his family moved to Castle Dale when he was 2 years old. His parents are Janna Voorhis and Kerry Judd. Jason grew up, was educated in Emery County, and was involved in sports, including track, football, and baseball. He received his CAD degree and worked for a short time in Phoenix before joining the Army in 2004. His friends, Josh White and Jessie Sitterud said, “Jason was destined for the Army. He was always playing commando and went shooting a lot. He is one tough kid. We always knew he would go military.” The first car Jason owned was a 1999 Saturn that he purchased after he graduated from school in Phoenix. His friends said he loved that car. After he joined the military he left his car behind with family members. They drove it and were in an accident that severely damaged the car. The car was repaired and then later, the engine blew up. The car ended up at J&D Auto in Castle Dale. J&D representative, Derri Jewkes, said, “He told me himself how much he loved that Saturn.” Derri talked to Mike Kava, the Emery High auto shop teacher and asked if the car could be a class project for the students. Kava said, “We teach auto mechanics not auto body, but when I mentioned it to the students they were excited to give it a try. The kids really got behind this project, were excited about it and did an excellent job. It was their way of Jason Judd thanks the automotive students of Emery High for the makeover of his first car and everyone for the reception he received upon returning from a tour in Iraq. thanking Jason for what he had done for our country.” An ad ran for donations and the community came up with enough money to get it done. J& D donated the paint for the car and many others helped and contributed, among them are Kent McKell, Marvin Gardner, Tate Manzanares, Jarod Robinson, Stewart’s, Sunshine Enterprises, Mike and Mary Kava, Emery High School, CEU Division of Workforce Education. Jay Fausett from Orangeville airbrushed the designs on the car. The project was started and finished without Jason’s knowledge. He thought he was coming home to friends and family, not to the rebuilt, refinished and beautiful car he thought was history. Jason’s sister met him at the airport and on the drive home from the airport his sister’s car was rear ended. The next morning Jason was escorted back to Emery County by a group of Lindon police officers. They were joined in Castle Dale by representatives of the Emery County Sheriff’s Office and several fire engines that escorted them up Castle Dale Center Street to the high school. A large gathering of family and friends welcomed him home with a barbecue and the huge surprise of his restored car. One of the high school students drove the car out of the auto shop and Jason was completely shocked to see it. He was very emotional and said, “I can’t believe this -- the parade, the escorts and now this car. I can’t believe anything like this would happen.” He then thanked everyone and took it for a short test drive. Jason was also given a plaque made by the high school carpentry shop thanking him for what he had done. This entire project and day was the community’s way of thanking Jason for his safe return and the great service he gave to our country. A close-up look at the artwork Jay Fausett painted on the soldier’s car. |