Lehighton Borough volunteer firefighter and United States Marine Corps Corporal of the 0311 infantry Justin Markell was honored as one of the Lehigh Valley Phantom Hockey Team's Hometown Heroes during a home game in Allentown on Wednesday night.

Markell, surrounded by his wife of 10 years, Kristin, and children Katelyn, 10, and Jaxson, 5, stood in the rink while being presented with a team jersey under a montage video of his accomplishments playing on the big screen."We get the people who nominate them to send in a bio and a handful of photos. Anything to help us convey their story as best we can," said sales specialist Casey Callahan of the hockey team."The look in their eyes when they see it on the big screen, a culmination of their life's work, it's really a special moment," Callahan said.Callahan, along with program creator Kevin Schildt, started honoring active and veteran military troops when the Phantoms were still in Glens Falls, New York."Each game people submit nominations of active duty military or veterans. It's easily our favorite part of the evening," Callahan said. "They get a standing ovation every time. We're very proud of it."Markell, 38, was nominated by a friend and fellow season ticket holder, but it was 10-year-old Katelyn who wanted the audience to know how proud of her dad she is."During the Hometown Hero part of a game we were at she leaned into my friend and said she'd like to do that for her dad," said Markell.Markell said he had no idea he was nominated until a week before the game. "As we got closer to game day they had to ask questions about my military career, so that's how I found out. I was very surprised." Markell was escorted to the game by his parents, his wife's parents, and 15 volunteers from his Lehighton fire station.Markell said the recognition was overwhelming."It was really special," he said.Markell has volunteered for the fire department since 2004 after serving in the Corps from 1996 to 2000. As a corporal, Markell spent time in the Mediterranean Sea, Persian Gulf and Adriatic Sea serving in the roles of platoon navigator, platoon radio operator, fire team leader, and squad leader over the course of his Marine Corps career. He ended his active duty in August of 2000, and received an honorable discharge for his service.Markell completed his training at the School of Infantry and was assigned to the Fleet Marine Force at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he received orders to the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Lima Company. He participated in Operation Joint Guard, Operation Southern Watch, Operation Desert Fox, Operation Desert Thunder, and Operation Fundamental Relief.The corporal received several military awards including Armed Forces Medal with one Bronze star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one Bronze Star, Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one Bronze star, Meritorious Unit Citation, Joint Meritorious Unit Citation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Meritorious Mast from Battalion Commander for Meritorious Service as unit Radio Operator.Markell is a Mahoning Township resident and an active member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.