Young heroes

Young heroes Vermillion third-graders Dexter Johnson and Philip Munkvold were each presented the Young Heroes Award by the South Dakota National Guard Enlisted Association Monday at the beginning of a music program at Jolley Elementary School. Vermillion third-graders Dexter Johnson and Philip Munkvold were each presented the Young Heroes Award by the South Dakota National Guard Enlisted Association Monday at the beginning of a music program at Jolley Elementary School. The South Dakota National Guard Enlisted Association sponsors this program to honor children who have displayed courage and bravery while battling life threatening disease, illness or injuries. The program pays tribute to the courage and dignity of real life young heroes whose struggles might otherwise go unnoticed. Dexter has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. His parents are Shannon Johnson and Jeannie Pickett of Vermillion. Philip has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. His parents are Monty and Jane Munkvold, Vermillion. Dexter and Philip were nominated for this award by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Dakota. The two boys received medals and framed certificates from MSGT Lori Hoop, SFC David Bahr, CMSGT Craig Towns, CSM(RET) William Hollmann and SMSGT Ed Revell.