Marine Reserve Sergeant Stands Guard In Front Of Hughson Elementary School

HUGHSON (CBS13) - A U.S. Marine Corps Reserve sergeant was on self-imposed duty at Hughson Elementary School on Wednesday guarding over the children.

Sgt. Craig Pusley got up early Wednesday, dressed in his desert camouflage fatigues and stationed himself in front of the school flagpole.

He doesn't have a child at the school, but his son is 3 and will one day go to school there.

Pusley said he decided to stand guard in front of the school in the wake of last week's tragic school shooting in Newtown, Conn., that killed 20 young children.

"When I enlisted, I swore to defend this country from all enemies, foreign and domestic," he said, adding, "I'd take a bullet for these kids."

Pusley stood guard unarmed but his presence in front of the school was a comfort to parents, and the principal was happy to have him.

Pusley is in the Marine Corps Reserve now after his last active tour in Afghanistan.