FORT MYERS, Fla. – A native Fort Myers resident killed in a U.S. Marine training exercise has inspired a high school memorial in his honor.
Cpl. Thomas “Tommy” Jardas was killed in January along with 11 others in a helicopter crash off the Hawaiian island of Oahu.
The family of the Cypress Lake High School graduate is using $26,000 in donations to pave a reflection area that will include a lighted flagpole, granite-marker benches and other features at his alma mater. Any remaining funds will be used to create a scholarship in Jardas’ name, the family said.
A dedication ceremony at will take place at the high school Jan. 14, the anniversary of Jardas’ death.