The United Council of Jamestown has named Cody Willett as this year’s Grand Marshal for Monday’s Memorial Day parade in Jamestown.

Only a couple years out of high school and barely 20 years old in 2009, Cody was in Afghanistan.

He was four months into his second overseas deployment and serving as an Air Force weapons supply technician for Special Operations teams.

His base was attacked and he was severely injured in a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) explosion. He was left with a fractured lower spine, dislocated shoulder and damaged ankle.

He was medically evacuated to Germany and then back to the U.S. for treatment.

Over time, Cody’s recovery from his physical injuries has been compounded by the emergence of invisible wounds of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that afflict so many combat veterans.

Cody and wife, Jessica have, a 3-year-old son, Carter, and a daughter, Kendall.

They live in Ashville where they share a passion for football — especially the Buffalo Bills — country music and guitar.

Cody is a computer specialist for the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office. He has a keen interest in flying drones, an activity that he performs in his duties at work.

He is currently studying IT and hopes to have a career in the field of digital forensics for the state of New York or the FBI.