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Shelley Osterloh ReportingA community is pulling together to support the family of a soldier serving in Iraq. It's a community that stretches beyond the borders of the soldier's home town.
The man who taught youngsters self defense is now defending his country. Staff Sargeant Kevin Jerman has been in Iraq for 15 months, but even though he's gone his business is thriving, thanks to the generosity of friends.
In the town of Nephi the Beehive Martial Arts Center is a busy place even though its owner and instructor hasn't been there for more than year.
Staff Sergeant Kevin Jerman is with the 1457th engineering battalion serving in Baghdad. So whose running the business? His wife, friends, and former students.
Ann Malloch, Assistant instructor: "Well we want to keep the school open and keep it going for Mr. Jerman who’s out serving our country, until he gets back. It’s a great thing for the community."
A team of fellow Taekwando experts has volunteered to teach his classes and keep his school running.
Stuart Knowlton, Volunteer Instructor: "Mr. Jerman is gone to Iraq, spending some time there helping out our county. This is a way we can support him."
Ruth Malloch, Part time Instructor: "Because he taught me a lot and helped me out. Helped my self-confidence build. So I think if I can help someone else out, I can help him out."
The 10-year Army veteran left the military for less than a year before joining the Utah National Guard. His family says the two things he enjoys most are military service and teaching martial arts.
Ashley Jerman, Daughter: "And he's really good with kids and he makes taekwando fun, and i can't wait for him to get back so he can make it even funner."
His wife Charmaine says she can teach the beginning classes, but is not trained in the higher levels. She is grateful for an outpouring of support from other martial arts experts who are keeping Kevin's dream alive until he returns.
Charmaine Jerman, Kevin's Wife: "Without them this wouldn't have happened. I've got people throughout the whole state. I've got people in salt lake and Tooele and everywhere that come help teach. It's been really good, it's been awesome."
Staff Sergeant Jerman and the rest of the 1457 have just arrived in Kuwait, after serving in Iraq, and are scheduled to be home by Mother's Day.
