Jonathan Jackson

In Vandalia, where roots run deep and family bonds are tight, Jonathan ‘Jon’ Jackson has always stood out as someone who values community and the well-being of others. As the third of seven siblings, including four foster siblings, Jon grew up in a household where caring for others was not just encouraged but lived daily. This upbringing, surrounded by a large and supportive family, laid the foundation for his next big step in life: enlisting in the National Guard.

From an early age, the idea of serving in the military was never far from Jon’s mind. Though it was not something he always spoke of with certainty, it lingered in the background, a quiet possibility. “The military was always kind of in the back of my mind, not really cemented, but there,” Jon reflects. It wasn’t until a close friend, Michael Mesnard, enlisted that Jon seriously considered the option for himself. With the encouragement of his sister Maddie, who had joined the service a year or two earlier, Jon made the decision to enlist, signing the paperwork in August of his senior year.

Jon’s choice to join the National Guard is both pragmatic and deeply personal. Like many young people in America, he faces the challenge of financing a college education. For Jon, the GI Bill provides a pathway to higher education without the burden of debt. But there’s more to his decision than financial planning. Jon is clear-eyed about the responsibilities that come with military service. “You have to do this to protect the ones you love,” he says, reflecting on the sense of duty instilled in him during his first drill weekend.

As a chaplain’s assistant, Jon will have the unique opportunity to support the emotional and spiritual well-being of his fellow soldiers. This role is a natural fit for Jon, who, despite his quiet demeanor, possesses a deep well of empathy and a strong moral compass. His choice of MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) reflects his desire to serve others, not just in a physical sense, but in a way that addresses the whole person. It’s a role that speaks to his character— thoughtful, caring, and committed to the well-being of those around him.

Jon’s love for history and teaching is another driving force in his life. After completing his service, he plans to pursue a degree in history and become a high school history teacher. His passion for the subject is rooted in a belief that understanding the past is crucial to navigating the future. “You can always learn something different from history, especially from the different types of leaders and what they did and how they did it,” Jon explains. His approach to teaching will likely mirror his thoughtful and inquisitive nature— encouraging students to think critically and understand the deeper implications of historical events, rather than just memorizing dates and facts.

In a world that often celebrates the loudest voices, Jon Jackson’s quiet strength and thoughtful approach to life stand out. He’s a young man who knows where he’s going, not just in terms of geography, but in terms of purpose. Vandalia may be a small town, but in Jon, it has produced a young man with big aspirations—not just for himself, but for the community he loves and the country he’s committed to serving.

As Jon prepares to leave for basic training, the community of Vandalia can take immense pride in the young man they’ve helped shape. He’s a testament to the values of hard work, service, and integrity that define our community. Jonathan Jackson may be heading off to serve his country, but he’ll always carry with him the lessons and love he’s received from his family and his hometown. And as he steps into this new chapter of his life, he does so with the quiet confidence that comes from knowing who he is and where he comes from—Vandalia.