As the Veterans Day Celebration Committee starts planning next year’s parade members welcomed a new member – 18-year-old Jordan Phillips – who is expected to bring a fresh perspective for the festivities.

Phillips' youth works in his favor as committee members said he will be a lifeline to a younger generation that the Celebration Committee is trying to engage. They’re hopeful that Phillips can bring more young people to the table.

“The more hands the better,” said committee member Ilene Klaver. “It’s always nice to have a younger perspective. And if we don’t teach the younger generation to honor our vets, then unfortunately the memory of what they did will die out.”

On Sunday, committee member Sharon Boyer said she knew she’d scored a coup by recruiting Phillips. The committee introduced him to the community at an event held at the Pier View Restaurant.

“He’s all for helping,” Boyer said cheerfully.

Phillips is the newest and by far the youngest member of the committee. He is the kind of person whose accomplishments speak for themselves as a 2015 Martin Luther King Spirit Award winner, 2016 Spirit Awards keynote speaker, member of the high school business club and football player.

Phillips has known Boyer since he was a child, when she was one of his Cub Scout leaders. She suggested recruiting Phillips when the committee was looking to add new members.

Phillips has significant responsibilities within the committee; he has taken over all public outreach tasks, trying to draw more local businesses into the celebration. Boyer said she chose him for a reason: “He’s accessible, comfortable talking to people and he has confidence. You need that in a leader.”

The committee knows they’re lucky to have him, too.

“He’s a great young man, a great speaker,” said committee member John McGonnell.

Phillips decided to join the committee when he knew he had something to offer. Coming from a family with several military members, Phillips said he's hopeful that his speaking skills motivate the community and get more people involved in Veteran’s Day celebrations.

Phillips said doesn't know yet if his role on the committee will be long term because he's planning  to earn a college degree, and he' also considering traveling around the country.

“I don't know if I want to go locally, or explore and maybe head down to Florida, where I have family, or somewhere out of state,” he said.

But he won't leave the committee stranded if that's the case.

“If I do end up far away, I'll find someone to fill my shoes,” he said.