Ex-Marine dad stands guard at school after Newtown

NASHVILLE, Tenn. After the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary, a former Marine decided to stand guard at his children's school, and parents said he was a welcome addition, CBS Nashville affiliate WTVF-TV reports.

Jordan Pritchard, a former staff sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, pulled down his old uniform from his attic Monday and sought to bring a sense of safety to his community. He was standing guard outside the front door of Gower Elementary School until Wednesday, when Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools finished for the year.

Pritchard said it was his responsibility.

"I'm doing this because we need hope, man. We need hope," Pritchard said.

The shooting massacre in Newtown, Conn., was a thousand miles away, but what happened there still hit too close to home.

He's a volunteer. He's not getting paid. He's not even armed, but parents said they felt better about leaving their children at school while he's been at the front door.

Pritchard said it's his duty, and parents were appreciative.

"If you are able and capable of doing something, you have the responsibility to act," he said.

Sarah Knies has second and third graders who attend Gower Elementary. She said she was comforted knowing Pritchard was there.

"He made me feel good, just to know that he stood up and did something to make us all feel better today," she said.

Many parents, staff and students stopped by to thank Pritchard.

"When parents come up to me and they're crying and thanking me for being out here," said Pritchard, "there's no job in the world that can pay me enough money to not do things for the kids and for the parents."

Pritchard also has children who attend Gower Elementary: a daughter, Valerie, in second grade and a son, Colby, in first grade. He insists his actions have not just been about them. He said he feels it's about something much bigger.

"We have to live this life for other people," said Pritchard. "That's the only way that happiness and true peace and hope will come back to our nation, is when we all come back together and love each other."

[lilhoot]

It comes down to our military can do battle on all soil but the United States of America. Wow the United States of America has sunk so low. Bring back our military so they can serve and protect on all soil. May God bless this man and protect him from the evil that surrounds him in his place of employment. May shame bring his commanding officer to his knees when he looks at the children in his life. Mr. Commanding Officer I for one will be praying to God in heaven that some crazed person does no harm to your family and friends. Place the Hedge of His Mighty Warrior Angles around you and your loved ones. Pray for this man for he knows not what he has done. Thank you my Father in your blessed Sons name. Amen.
Keep this going please.

[rk464]

I wish I was a marine vet (or any branch veteran), but physically I was not able to get in when I was young (I am disabled). I would be out there joining this young man!

I think what he is doing is noble and unique. He deserves a special medal for this. The US military should support him and even look into assigning someone to all of the elementary schools in the country as a way to offer the kids hope as a role model for the kids. maybe this will plant the seeds of patriotism in the children.

[tsdc7]

I don't doubt his good intentions, but cammies (MCCUU) are not an appropriate uniform for that activity. He should be in civilian clothes, service alphas, bravos, or charlies (least likely, given the season). He should know better. Flouting the uniform guidelines is unprofessional and appears to use the combat connotations of the MCCUU for grandstanding.

Marine Corps Uniform Regulations Ch. 2005 states, "The utility uniform is a working uniform and not appropriate for wear in a civilian environment."

Likewise, ALMAR 035/07 (Sec. 3) states, "The MCCUU is a field uniform and is not appropriate for wear in a civilian environment."

Sec. 4a also states, "The MCCUU is not authorized for wear at official/ unofficial functions and conferences held off-base or off government installations and facilities."

It's about professionalism. Go change your uniform, devildog. S/F

[AlystarM]

ROTC alert!! Son why don't you un-ass yourself from the debate. Sometimes it's about field expediency and unless he's compromising the dignity of the uniform (which he isn't) then perhaps we should refrain from being barracks lawyers. By the way it's Devil Dog not devildog.

And CBS News, there is no such thing as an EX Marine. Once a Marine, always a Marine!

Carry on Staff Sgt. Pritchard and Sgt. Pusley. Your devotion to the well-being of your community is commendable. No doubt you've already heard from your command regarding your choice of uniform and adjusted yourselves accordingly but I think just seeing you men in uniform made people feel safer.

[BeaNGoode]

I also applaud the Marine, but agree with you 100%. He can very well do this WITHOUT the field uniform (my first thought when I saw the cammies).

@ALYSTARM, there really was no call to disrespect this Marine because he only stated the truth. He served this country and is entitled to state the FACTS. If you have served, thank you for your service, which I suspect you have considering the "un-ass" comment, then you know better than to wear unauthorized uniforms during certain activities, and us Marines (I suspect you might even be one) are proud of our uniforms as most people know (both military and civilians).

And besides your warm and fuzzies that he is giving his community is just that. If he is going to do it, allow him to do it right, he should be posted in the best position to hinder and repel a threat (even if unarmed) if one happens.

OOHRAH and Semper Fi Marines!!!

[creativejemiam]

Best news story I have viewed in a very long time. It does not matter if he cannot stand there all day, clearly that is unrealistic. However it proves a valid point. Our schools are no longer sacred and no one is safe. If there are armed guards at sporting events and airports certainly our schools warrant the same protection. If not more since they are protecting our most valued resources. I applaud this Marine and hope others come forward to keep the kids and their educators safe. It is time!

[justsomeone2u]

This Staff Sergeant should be commended for what he is doing. There needs to be a lot more people out there like him. He is not only protecting his own children he is protecting others. He is putting his life on the line just like he did when he served for our Country. I think that we should offer all the Veterans that are unemployed the chance to stand duty at our schools, they were good enough to protect our country so who better to protect our children. God Bless you Jordan Pritchard for your duties and your generosity. God Bless you

[superdem1]

Oh yes, homeschool every student in America, what a great idea, an entire nation that can't get along with anyone unlike themselves, that has never heard an idea that was not shared by their family. An entire nation of strangers. Only a Republican would think of that, just to eliminate teachers and their dreaded unions.

[scalini1]

"enlightenu says: You'd think one would have to do this for more than 2 days before getting national attention. I'll check back in a few months to see if he's still there."

Why not get off YOUR ass and volunteer or do you just want to hide behind your monitor and critique everyone else?

[mountainstates1]

What a great person. This marine is everything the NRA is not. We need millions more just like him!

[Topkitty27]

Thank God for the United States Marine Corp. Many of them were children themselves when sent to war, and have given their lives so that we can sit here and express our opinions. This is what Marines do.
I don't know if this young man ever saw combat but if he did, no one is better qualified to know what those children looked like after 3 to 11 shots at close range with a high-powered round. With that picture in your mind, how can you not stand by the door where your children are? Americans of our generation have been spared the true horror of these indelible memories because of these men and women that serve our Country.
As to walking up and shooting him in the foot? I suppose it could happen. But whoever does it better make every shot count. If a combat Marine EVER got his bare-hands on a school shooter...I'll take a trained Marine against against a psycho 20 year old coward every time.
I promise that to see the lights go dim in a child killers eyes using your hands, or the weapon the killer brought that's now protruding from his "potty place", is the only payment a combat soldier ever needs to be thankful they endured the trauma of war America.
Thanks to all branches of the military for their sacrifices and know that it is YOU that Americans are proud of and thankful for. OOH-RAH!

[StudentMPCC_IT]

Absolutely!

[enlightenu]

You'd think one would have to do this for more than 2 days before getting national attention. I'll check back in a few months to see if he's still there.

[scalini1]

Why not get off YOUR ass and volunteer or do you just want to hide behind your monitor and critique everyone else?

[ugacrew]

Its the thought that counts.