By Rikki Cason<br><a href="mailto:rikki.cason@journal-register.com">E-mail Rikki</a>
ALBION — A benefit will be held Sunday to honor the memory of Spc. Jason M. Johnston, 24, who was killed Dec. 26, 2009 while on duty in Afghanistan.
The event is being held to help establish a memorial scholarship in his honor.
Scholarship committee member Tom Irwin said the benefit and scholarship was started by the Albion American Legion. He said they wanted to do something to honor Johnston’s memory.
“We’re doing this to keep the memory of Jason alive,” Irwin said. “Jason’s passing made the war strike closer to home. It made people see what the price is to being over there.”
The benefit will be held from 1 to 9 p.m. at the American Legion Post No. 35, 131 Main St., Albion. There will be a $5 donation at the door for the event, which will include music from “The Whodats,” “Sneekee Pete,” “Jonesie and the Cruisers” and “Above the Fog.” Irwin said each band has donated two hours of their time to play at the benefit.
Food and drink will also be provided, along with a Chinese auction.
Irwin said it is important as a community to remember not just those who have passed, but those still serving overseas who are doing their part to keep the country safe.
All the money collected during the benefit will go toward the memorial scholarship. The Scholarship Committee has a goal of raising $20,000 so they can give out a yearly $1,000 scholarship to an Albion High School student to help fund their education. Irwin said the scholarship will go to a student who has shown dedication and courage — like Johnston showed in his duty in Afghanistan.
“We want to show that we support the war and honor the memory of Jason,” Irwin said. “Everyone is welcome. There will be great music.”
Contact reporter Rikki Cason at 798-1400, ext. 8227.
