District 69 Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, recently honored the life of Jennings County native Lance Cpl. Jacky Ray Koenig Jr. of the U.S. Marine Corps for his service to his country.
Koenig was killed during a training exercise April 9, 2017, while deployed in Okinawa, Japan.
The Indiana General Assembly recognized the 2014 Jennings County High School graduate with a resolution to honor the serviceman’s family and his service with a moment of silence with the Indiana House of Representatives.
“This is one of those things that brings as much honor as it does a heavy heart to recognize a member of our community that sacrificed everything and gave all he had so we could enjoy the freedoms and form of government we currently enjoy,” Lucas said.
Koenig grew up in North Vernon. He volunteered with the Muscatatuck River cleanup project yearly and would run along the banks of the river as a member of the school’s cross country team.
After graduating from high school, Koenig enlisted in the Marines. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, before being deployed to Camp Butler in Japan. He served as a member of the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267.
Koenig’s parents are Jack Koenig Sr. and Patricia Espinosa Koenig.