Salute from Dad: Andrew Harper Commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in Marines

Andrew James Harper received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, August 17, 2015, at a ceremony at VFW Post 423 in Ann Arbor, MI.  

Lieutenant Harper is a 2010 graduate of Saline High School where he received All-State honors as a captain of both the varsity cross country and track teams.

Lieutenant Harper is a 2014 graduate of Ferris State University where he earned his Bachelors of Science in Construction Management/Civil Engineering. Andrew continued his running career at Ferris State where, as captain of the varsity cross country and track teams, he was able to compete in several National Championships.

Lieutenant Harper continues his family's military tradition that goes back to the Revolutionary War and is a member of the Huron Valley Chapter of the Sons of The American Revolution.

It is a Naval tradition that newly Commissioned Officers give a silver dollar to the first enlisted man to salute them. Lieutenant Harper's father, Sergeant James Paul Harper, United States Marine Corps (Retired), was proud to give that first salute.

Lieutenant Harper successfully completed Officer Candidate School at Quantico, VA on July 3, 2015, where he broke the Marine Corps record on the Endurance Course, which has been in place since the Vietnam era, by over two minutes. Lieutenant Harper's next duty station will be in Quantico, VA where, upon completion of his training, he hopes to be a Combat Engineer or Infantry Officer.

In his spare time Andrew enjoys hunting, fishing and running. His mother, father, and sisters live in Saline.

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