West Lutheran H.S. Grad Earns Marines Top Honor

West Lutheran Alum, Jordan P. Pannier,  graduated with distinction from the Marine Corps in San Diego, CA, October 19, 2012.  Jordan was promoted to Private First Class (PFC) via Meritorious Promotion Award, which is earned by the Marine that has demonstrated a high degree of proficiency and has shown exceptional leadership ability and may be promoted meritoriously to the grade of PFC. 

Additionally, with 531 marine recruits participating in physical fitness testing, Jordan earned the highly respected Leatherneck Award. The USMC iron man designation or physical excellence award goes to the Marine who has received the highest score on the PFT (physical fitness test) at the end of training.  Jordan was awarded a plaque and certificate from the Company Commander denoting that he is the most physically fit Marine in his Company and was formally recognized at USMC graduation ceremony of this distinction. 

To receive a perfect fitness test score of 300, the recruit must satisfactorily complete 20 pull-ups, do 100 crunches in two minutes, and run three miles in 18:00 minutes or less.  Jordan completed 32 pull-ups, performed 200 crunches, and finished the three mile run in 17.55.

Jordan successfully completed School of Infantry training at Camp Pendleton in November and is based in Pensacola, FL to conclude several weeks of job training.

At age 18 and a Marine Reservist, Jordan will return home to formalize college preparations, continue working out to maintain physical fitness level, and work to save money for college.

Jordan graduated May 2012, with high honors from West Lutheran High School in Plymouth, MN.  He was a member of the National Honor Society, captain of the football team, and lettered in basketball, baseball, and football. He was also recognized for his athletic abilities receiving awards in each of the three sports he played.  Throughout his junior and senior year, Jordan worked as a restaurant server for seniors at Meridian Manor, Wayzata, MN.  He also served as a positive role model, as demonstrated in his ability to mentor, coach, and tutor impressionable boys while attending senior high school and junior high.