A four war veteran is almost unheard of in our country, but East Tennessee is lucky enough to say it has one.

The Lt. Alexander Bonnyman Unit of the Young Marines in Seymour dedicated its new, hand-made pavilion on Saturday in honor of retired Marine Colonel Ed Pennico.

Larry Winters is the unit commander for Camp Bonnyman and said the pavilion isn't just a concrete slab and wooden beams. It's a reminder.

As the 8 to 18-year-olds at the camp stand under the newly-dedicated shelter, Pennico hopes it's a place where more marines are made.

"I think this program is really wonderful, and if they can become marines, then good on 'em," Pennico smiled.

By Katie Inman, reporter with NBC 10 News
October 19, 2019