The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Bushnell Welcomes Home Purple Heart Recipient

by Ryan and Christy Kienast, The Quill

The community of Bushnell welcomed home one of their own Friday night after he was injured while serving in Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal Justin Beer, of the United States Marine Corp, the son of Betty (Peanut) and John Asher was shot in the leg by a sniper on Memorial Day, May 24, 2013.

Beer has nerve damage and has lost the feeling in his foot from the injury. He has been going through physical therapy in San Diego, California, and presently, Beer is walking with the aid of a cane.

The Patriot Guard along with Beers' family met the young hero at the Peoria International Airport and the caravan, led by his mother and father, escorted him home.

After he arrived home, a ceremony and party was held in his honor at the VFW in Bushnell, organized by Harv Draughn. Beer received the honorable Purple Heart for the wounds he sustained in combat, along with several other awards including the proclamation of August 30, 2013 as Justin Beer Day in Bushnell.

Beer will return to San Diego, CA, in two weeks for further physical therapy.