JAY’S BIO
Jay was born in Wynne, AR and moved to Memphis, TN when he was three months old. He grew up in a Memphis suburb and lived in the same house until he joined the U.S. Army.
Jay met his childhood sweetheart, Jackie Walker while attending high school. After completion of his U.S. Army Advanced Individual Training in January, 1972 and heading to the Federal Republic of Germany, Jay and Jackie married. She was a high school senior.
When Jay retired from the U.S. Army, the family moved to Blytheville, AR, where Jay served as the Distribution Manager for Bush Brothers and Company, providing oversight to three major departments, including shipping and receiving.
After leaving Bush Brothers, Jay and family moved back to the Memphis area where he worked for his brother and sister-in-law as a telecommunications engineer. It was during this time Jay and Jackie joined and became active in The American Legion family and several other community organizations. Jay’s and Jackie’s work in the community resulted in being awarded the “Key to the City of Bartlett” prior to relocating to Colorado Springs.
Jay and Jackie have two sons; John Jr. (Micah) and Robert (Angie), and four grandchildren; Brandon, Kyle, Morgan, and Parker. All are members of The American Legion family.Jay graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arkansas State University with a Bachelors of Science degree, and a Masters of Arts degree from Webster University.
Legion Experience
A Paid Up For Life member, Jay has belonged to the Neal Thomas Jr.-Centennial Post 209 since his arrival in Colorado. As an active member, he has represented The American Legion throughout the community, including multiple interviews on the local news stations. He has been selected as keynote speaker at many Americanism-related events including Memorial and Veterans’ Day ceremonies at the Pikes Peak National Cemetery.
Post Level
Commander
Vice Commander
Judge Advocate
Executive Committee
Member, SAL Squadron 209
Member, ALR Supporter
District Level
Commander
Vice Commander
Department Level
Commander
Vice Commander
Chairman, Boys State
Chairman, Americanism
National Level
Chairman, VE&E Commission
Chairman, M&PA Committee
Alternate, National Executive Committee
Member, Americanism Commission
Member, Marketing Commission Executive CommitteeMember, Membership Study Committee
American Legion Affiliations
- Sons of The American Legion, Squadron 209
- ANAVICUS
- Past Department Commanders’ Club, President 2022
Other Affiliations
- Past President, Current Vice President, The Colorado Veterans Resource Coalition
- Member, Warrant Officers’ Association
- Member, Military Officers of America Association
- Member, Association of the United States Army
- Past President, Springs Ranch Home Owners Association
- Member, National Rifle Association
- Former member of Pikes Peak Elks Club
- Member, Cordova Baptist Church
Eligibility
Jay earned his eligibility for The American Legion through his 20 years honorable active-duty service in the U.S. Army in Air Defense Artillery. His career ranged from Vietnam through the first Global War on Terror in 1991, and included multiple tours in the Federal Republic of Germany as well as Saudi Arabia, among other locations. Jay rose through the enlisted ranks to Staff Sergeant (E-6) and then was appointed as a Warrant Officer, where he eventually retired as a Chief Warrant Officer-3.
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