Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Desmond “Hammer” Jackson. Desmond served during the Vietnam War.

Desmond was a First Sergeant for Charlie Company 2nd Battalion from 1965 to 1966 during the Vietnam War. He is revered by his unit, many who believe that they would not be alive today if it were not for him.

One soldier remembers Desmond saving his life in March 1966. “On that day I was wounded and he was the first one to me. The instant that he hit the ground beside me I knew that I was going to make it,” he said. “He was always a first responder when one of us needed help.”

Thank you for your service, Desmond!


Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much of the information as you can put together with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating for how to create the best submission.


Graphic By Kierra Willis: Kierra Willis is a Graphic Communication Major at the University of Maryland University College. She currently has an AAS in Graphic Design and Visual Communications.

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3 Comments

  1. summe April 18, 2017 at 18:37

    My husband served in Vietnam during 1966-1969. He hardly talked about his time in the military. After recently looking at some of the movies on youtube, I can see why. It was very traumatizing for him. He came in contact with agent Orange. He has had a couple of heart attacks, diabeties, cancer, high blood pressure…He was recently honored last year, however, it brought back old memories.

  2. Dianna Dibenedetto April 12, 2017 at 09:51

    This is really great and a marvelous use of social media. VA has a gold mine in Kierra and Natalie’s work on this project. As a veteran Liaison in for a clinical psychology practice serving 95% veterans and active duty military, I am able to enhance many of these veterans experiences by introducing them t these wonderful tools and initiatives of VHA.
    Mary D DiBenedetto, CCTP
    Savannah, GA
    2nd Cavalry, Honored Member

    • RCA April 12, 2017 at 18:57

      aaa———–men!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for spot lighting our warriors, Kierra & Natalie

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