Honoring our Veterans: Their Service Then and Now

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” —John F. Kennedy

Today and every day, we salute and thank all members of the JJR team who served in the Armed Forces. We appreciate you for the sacrifices you and your families made to pave a path for freedom.

After retiring from service, many Veterans continue serving their country in their civilian work life. Recently, we asked JJR Portfolio Director and Air Force Veteran Jared Young to share a bit about his military career and what inspired him to serve then and now.

Jared Young

JJR: Tell us your military title, years served, and most recent military role.

Jared: Lieutenant Colonel, 1993-2017, Chief of Logistics (C-130 Production and Modification)

JJR: Can you tell us more about what you did in your role?

J: I was responsible for leading Airmen and civil servants in the execution of the 12 product support elements for the C-130J production and modification line and the C-130H Avionics Modernization Program.

JJR: What campaign(s) did you serve in?  

J: Operation Northern and Southern Watch, Operation Joint Endeavor, Operation Allied Force, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Operation Odyssey Dawn

JJR: Why did you join the military? How did you choose your branch of service? 

J: I honestly wanted to serve my country and follow in my family’s footsteps. It’s in my blood, and I never really thought about any other profession. I chose the Air Force because my grandfather was in the Army Air Corps, my dad was in the Air Force, and I always loved being around aircraft, so it was destiny.

JJR: Can you describe a funny moment from your time in service?

J: A couple of my buddies were performing a tour around an F-16 with a group of Air Force ROTC cadets. We explained to them a trick to ensure that all the engine blades were attached. We told them if they yelled “Yeehaw” into the exhaust and the echo returned a pitch lower, it meant all blades were attached because it takes longer for the sound to return. The cadet performed the echo test, but the return voice was me from the inlet side of the engine saying, “Stop yelling at me!” He was quite confused.

JJR: Is there anything you wish civilians understood about military service?  

J: I wish civilians understood that military service is performed not just by the member, but also by the member’s family. Spouses and children make a significant sacrifice to our country by supporting the military members at home and abroad, and they deserve appreciation as well. Especially the spouses!

JJR: How do you continue to serve the Warfighter in your role at JJR?  

J: I joined JJR in 2018 as a program manager supporting the Air Force’s Light Attack Aircraft Program Product Support Management Team. Currently, I lead JJR’s portfolio in Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition, logistics, and Warfighter support.

JJR: As a Veteran, how has your experience been at JJR?

J: It’s been OUTSTANDING! Serving in a company that values people and supports DoD and Veterans was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up and that I continue to enjoy. 

ABOUT JJR SOLUTIONS

Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, JJR Solutions is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business working to improve the health, well-being, and security of our communities and nation through management consulting and technology solutions. To learn more, visit www.jjrsolutions.com.