Service For Country with Lieutenant Colonel David Jackson

From the time you get off the bus and are met by drill sergeants yelling out “move with purpose” and shouting various orders, you begin an intense training regimen to earn you the title of Soldier in the United States Army. In this training, you are no longer an individual, but you are a part of an elite fighting force that has fought for and defended our country’s liberties and freedoms since its inception. The men and women you serve with become closer to you than your own relatives and you get a sense of pride and accomplishment as you embark on your military career to serve our country.
Lieutenant Colonel(LtC) David Jackson (retired) has dedicated most of his life to serving his country. Over his 27-year military career he has served as an enlisted member and finally an officer through such wars as the Gulf War and Desert Storm. His career began in the late 80s where he enlisted in the US Army reserves to become an MP (military police). Over the next few years he went on to serve wherever his country needed him, enduring many triumphs and trying times. Early in his career he paid witness to gruesome experiences like his time spent in Zaire, Africa during the political unrest in Rwanda.  “I was aghast observing so many savage machete killings and bodies thrown into the very lake we were attempting to purify. Rwanda was an absolute nightmare and periodically we conducted mass burials of up to 500 bodies at a time.” David proved to be an exemplary soldier and was awarded many distinguished titles and awards to include the Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, 4 Meritorious Service Medals, seven Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, just to name a few. These experiences helped him prepare for the next chapter in his journey and on December 14, 2000, David commissioned as a Second Lieutenant (2nd Lt.) in the United States Army. As an officer, he went on to specialize in airborne warfare completing training such as Airborne School, Air Assault School. “I was fortunate to have such a great career with the Army. I am proud of the things I accomplished while in and look forward to the next chapter in my life.”
In 2016 David retired as Lieutenant Colonel and resides in the Santa Clarita Valley with his wife Lynette and their two daughters. Although his military career has ended he still gives back to the local veteran community through his current position as Job Developer for College of the Canyons where he oversees job placement assistance, resume development, and many more aspects to help our veterans find employment. He also volunteers a lot of his time with the SCV Veterans Collaborative Center where he uses his skills in leadership and experience to help veterans and their families navigate through the very intricate workings of post military services. “Helping out our prior servicemen and their families is a passion of mind and getting them in touch with the needed help and support makes my time spent here just that much more fulfilling.” 

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