Jason McGowan of Palmerton graduated in December from Kutztown University with a bachelor of science degree in Business Management.

On the same day, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, after joining the ROTC program during his junior year. He completed the Leader's Training Course in Fort Knox, Ky., during the summer of 2009, and the Leaders Development & Assessment Course in Ft, Lewis, Wash., during the summer of 2010.After completing the Basic Officers Leadership Course this year, he will join the 1067th Transportation Company of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in Spring City, Pa.Jason is a 2007 graduate of Palmerton Area High School.He is the son of Richard and Mary McGowan, and grandson of Dolores Matrician and Karen Kuntzman, all of Palmerton.