Community youth honored for service

Observer Staff

3/8/2005 12:00:00 AM

Twenty-year-old Eli Borton has a newly-found appreciation for freedom after defending democratic principles while serving in Iraq for six months as a U.S. Marine.

"There's a lot we take for granted," he explained while touring the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways before a Feb. 22 reception in his honor. "It's the simple things you miss while looking at the bigger picture of what you are doing and why you are doing it."

The son of April and Larry Borton left for Iraq from Camp Lejune, N.C. on Aug. 23 and returned Feb. 12. The lance corporal returned to Fort Custer in Battle Creek on Feb. 23 and was expected to be deactivated by March 4.

During his reception, members of the Anishnabe Ogitchedaw Veteran and Warriors Society not only honored Eli with words, but with an eagle feather.

As a U.S. Marine, Eli said he's always wanted to be a part of one of the greatest and elite fighting units. He said he was proud to have completed many successful missions while in Iraq. He talked about an experience of being around consistent mortar fire while rebuilding a 100-foot bridge in three days while being located south of Bahgdad.

Eli is planning on returning to Central Michigan University to wrestle and take classes in the fall.

While overseas, April noted her son had put on 15 pounds.

"He took off his shirt and instead of a six-pack, he now had an eight-pack and his arms were so much bigger. I told him, �Well you know where the weight went,'" explained April. "He said instead of playing video games, each night he went and worked out. He was so proud he put on weight. That's the wrestler in him-always wanting to gain weight to get into the next class."

April said her son is "an incredible story" that started during her very difficult pregnancy with him. He was named after Eli Thomas, also known as the ceremonial Chief Little Elk. Chief Little Elk carried a vast knowledge of traditional and cultural ways, including medicine and woodland remedies.

When we told him we were naming our son after him, Eli said her son was going to "have quite a task in life."

"I'm waiting to see how Eli's life plays out," she said. "We're so very proud of him already."