Ohio National Guard News

By Sgt. 1st Class Justin O. Shuman
73rd Troop Command

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Sgt. 1st Class Jason L. Hughes has spent much of his free time in the last three years thinking about nightmares and delusions at a crematory. That is how long it took him to finish his recently published novel, "Crematory".

Hughes has served in the Ohio Army National Guard for 12 years, most recently as the detachment sergeant for 73rd Troop Command in Columbus. His duties at the unit sometimes require long hours, but he spends most of his off-duty time writing.

“I have already started writing my second book and I hope to have it completed by the end of next year,” Hughes said. “Stephen King is one of my favorite authors, and inspired me to write at an early age.”

“Jason is a fantastic noncommissioned officer and his achievement with this book is just another example of the great talent we have in our ranks,” said Sgt. Maj. Charles Doup, operations sergeant major and Hughes supervisor. “I really believe that achieving this goal has made him a much better leader and Soldier.”

“I am so fortunate to be a member of an organization that allows me to serve my country and also pursue my hobbies,” Hughes said. "Crematory" is the first in a series Hughes plans to write over the next few years.

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