#VeteranOfTheDay Patti Jackson

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran Patti Jackson.

Born in Australia, Patti moved to the United States when she was a teenager. While attending the University of North Texas, Patti joined the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and was called to active duty in 1988. She participated in Operations Desert Storm, Joint Forge, Iraqi Freedom and many others. In addition, she has helped hurricane relief efforts in South Carolina and Hawaii.

Patti trained as an aerospace maintenance apprentice at Sheppard Air Force Base and was then assigned to Charleston Air Force Base. There she graduated to aerospace maintenance journeyman.

In 1991, Patti enlisted in the Texas Air National Guard at Hensley Field and served with the Aircraft Generation Squadron. During her time with the Texas Air National Guard, she held several positions including, airlift wing base education and training manager and technical training liaison. In 2006, Patti was promoted to Air National Guard superintendent of formal training.

For her service, Patti has received numerous awards including, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster and many more.

Patti is also an accomplished endurance athlete and a member of Team Red, White and Blue and Team Wear Blue: Run to Remember. A cancer survivor, she has completed numerous marathons and serves as a mentor to Wounded Warrior triathletes.

Thank you for your service, Patti!

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.