Our Troops: John Scheiding, U.S. Marines

Name: Cpl. John D. Sheiding, U.S. Marine Corps

Age: 23

His story: Scheiding is returning home Tuesday after five years of service with the Marines. He was assigned to Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1, aka Marine One) in Quantico, Va., a unit responsible for the transportation of the president of the United States, vice president, Cabinet members and other VIPs. Scheiding has had his picture taken with George W. Bush and Barack Obama numerous times — he's even gone mountain biking with Bush at his Texas ranch and has had his own parking space at the White House, where he also once met Oprah Winfrey.

Scheiding was selected for sniper training from his Marine unit and achieved sniper status at police school training in Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., before his HMX-1 assignment. He has one of the highest security clearances in the Marine Corps and just last week received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. His service has taken him around the world, including Ireland, Japan, Finland, Egypt, Korea and Hawaii.

Personally: Scheiding is a 2006 graduate and participated in the Marine Corps' delayed entry program during high school. Family members describe Scheiding as a "good all-around kid" who loved going to Manatee football games and hanging out at the Shake Pit as a youth. He got good grades and worked as a lifeguard at G.T. Bray. Family members say he was motivated to serve his country after his cousin, Lance Cpl. Scott Dougherty, was killed in Iraq. His father, stepfather and stepbrother were also Marines.

Now Scheiding is returning home to his family — including his wife, Hilary; mom and stepdad Kathy and Dan O'Connell and aunt Susan Howard of Bradenton; brother, Jared; and three stepbrothers. He's planning to soon enroll in college in the area — "the crazy kid wants to be a politician," his mother said. "We're just so totally proud of him."