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Marine stands guard outside Tennessee school

Posted at 7:15 PM, Dec 19, 2012
and last updated 2012-12-19 20:46:47-05

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVR) -- A military veteran in Tennessee is helping ease fellow parents' fears after the tragedy in Connecticut by standing guard outside his kids' school.

On Monday, three days after the tragedy, Staff Sargeant Jordan Pritchard dug his old Marine Corps uniform out of the attic, put it on and has spent every morning since then outside Gower Elementary School.

He is not armed, but he hopes his presence sends a message.

"I'm doing this because we need hope man.  We need hope. A believe in hope is larger than any weapon," Pritchard said. "When parents come up to me and they're crying and thanking me for being out here. There's no job in the world that can pay me enough money to not do things for the kids and for the parents.  You know."

The school has given permission for Pritchard to stand guard as long as he wants.