Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Louis Jackson. Louis served during Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and in Korea and Germany from 1991-2011.

Louis served as an indirect fire infantryman in a mortar squad (11C) and as a transportation management coordinator (88N). In Djibouti, Kuwait and Afghanistan, he taught transportation officers new transportation concepts; in Bangladesh, he was the head trainer for the United Nations trainer of trainers. He led the movement office in Qatar as chief, a position usually reserved for colonels. In 2007, Louis conducted and directed the Sounds of Freedom portion of the Hawai’i Great Aloha Run. For his service, he was the recipient of several awards, including the Air Assault Badge, Jungle Expert Patch, Combat Infantryman Badge, Meritorious Service Medals and Commendation Medals.

Louis was voted one of the most influential black soldiers at Fort Still, Oklahoma, during the 2004 Black History celebration. He enjoys giving back to his community by volunteering and was awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Medal. Louis used the GI Bill to obtain a second degree from the Culinary Institute of the Pacific in restaurant and hospitality management. Now that he and his wife are both retired, they are looking to open a restaurant in Houston, Texas, while continuing to volunteer in their community.

Thank you for your service, Louis!


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 information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn 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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