Veteran Spotlight - Major Jon Jones

By Col. Roger Glenn, U.S. Army (retired)

This month’s spotlight features retired United States Army Major Jon Jones, a resident of Kingwood. Major Jones began his career in the early 1980s after being inspired by the election of President Ronald Reagan and what he recounts as a strong desire to serve. He began his career in the Georgia Army National Guard and in 1982 obtained his commission through the Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning. By 1986 at the ripe old age of 31, Jones decided to transition to active duty where he continued his career until he retired in 2006. Shortly after retiring he took a position as a Department of Army Civilian (DAC) and remained at Fort Bragg, North Carolina until he retired from civil service in 2018.

Jones then moved to Rabun County, given his strong connection to it based on a cabin that his family owned on Lake Burton and the many wonderful memories he had of this region. However, in his retirement he is anything but idle as he has engaged in a number of causes and continues his legacy of service, presently serving as the Quartermaster of VFW Post 4570 in Clayton, and also volunteers with the American Legion (Post 220 in Mountain City), and Northeast Georgia Mountains DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Chapter 15.

Jones began his career in the Field Artillery branch, but later transferred to Special Operations. He completed his Special Forces qualification in 1990 and attended Ranger School at the age of 38. His 25 years of combined military service included assignments in Germany, Bosnia, Thailand, and Hawaii. He completed four different command assignments and earned three Meritorious Service Medals among his many decorations. He is a proud parent of two adult sons, one of whom was recently commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force.

In spite of the demands of his military and civilian careers, Jones found time to serve as a Scout Leader for the Cub & Boy Scouts of America for over 12 years and fondly recalls them as the most rewarding personal experience of his life. While at Fort Bragg, he worked with sons of many service members, including two that had lost their fathers during our nation’s operations in Afghanistan. Both of his sons attained the rank of Eagle Scouts.

Jones remains proud of his nation and service, but modest regarding his own contributions and is quick to point out that he’s led a ‘blessed life’. I would say that the rest of us have been equally blessed to have the benefit of his service, and now the honor to call him neighbor. If you get a chance to meet this great patriot, you’ll get a firm handshake and a warm smile from a big-hearted American Hero.