A 2009 Hoopeston Area High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of an integrated crew of sailors and civilian mariners working aboard the submarine tender, USS Emory S. Land.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Mahlon (May-lin) Schmid serves in Guam as part of a forward deployed naval force in the Pacific.

He is responsible for the ship’s weapons and safe use and operation of those weapons aboard the ship.

Schmid, who’s a native of Rankin (IL), says he enjoys the camaraderie between the sailors in the Weapons Department. He said “we all work together to accomplish our mission. I enjoy shooting and teaching people to shoot.”

Schmid adds, “It’s an honor to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps who served in World War II.”

94.1 WGFA .