Justin Keyser, a Health & Safety Supervisor for MPW Industrial Services’ Midwest District served as an usher for the public service in remembrance of U.S. Senator John Glenn on Saturday, December 17, at Mershon Auditorium at The Ohio State University.
Keyser was one of five volunteers selected to serve at the event from a large group of Ohio Army National Guardsmen. He has been in the Ohio National Guard for 10 years.
Keyser and the other guardsmen helped manage the event with help from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. He served as a security presence, an usher and answered questions from the public.
“It’s a day I’ll never forget, even though it was a sad event.” said Keyser “John Glenn paved the way for us in this country. Just being a part of the ceremony was a great honor.”
Glenn became the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth after flying 149 combat missions as a Marine pilot in World War II and the Korean War. He served 24 years as a Democratic U.S. senator from Ohio, then returned to space at age 77. He devoted his retirement to public affairs education at Ohio State.
Glenn died December 8 at the age of 95. He is scheduled to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on April 6.