Captain Jason Jones Continues to Serve Others

They looked like typical school boys playing baseball or soccer for Blue Mountain High School in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania. They were young, energetic, and ambitious. Two of this group of tight-knit friends started their own lawn mowing business. They promised to be friends for life.

As the world changed after the events of September 11, 2001, this group of young men found ways to serve. Jason Jones enrolled in West Point and went on a 9-month tour of duty in Iraq. He returned home and was selected for Special Forces in 2013. He was deployed to Afghanistan where he led a team of 12 men to rid the Taliban. 

On June 2, 2014, Captain Jason Jones was killed in action. Today, you’ll find a fort named for this hero in the Nangarhar Province on the east side of Afghanistan.

Captain Jason Jones

Captain Jason Jones serving in Iraq.

Shortly after his death, his high school friends formed the Captain Jason Jones Memorial Foundation, a 501C (3) charity to benefit community related causes including veterans.

“One of our members saw a tiny ad for the SSVF program in the Pottsville Republican,” noted Suzy Jones, mother of the late Captain Jason Jones.  “We called Victoria to learn more about the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program and how we could help,” she added.  

The Supportive Services for Veteran Families program provides housing assistance for veterans who are homeless or facing eviction. The program is funded by a Department of Veteran Affairs grant and administered by Opportunity House

The SSVF program provides beds, and other basic necessities like pots and pans, and dinnerware to assist veterans as they transition to stable housing. “The Jason Jones Memorial Foundation provides a Welcome Box of essential items. These items are not included as part of the SSVF grant program,” noted Victoria, Schuylkill County Case Manager.. 

 In addition to the Welcome Boxes, the Foundation provides essential hygiene items like body wash, shampoo, toothbrushes, and toothpaste–all necessary items that can tax an already tight budget.  

Captain Jason Jones

Captain Jason Jones and his dog, Molly

Working with the Jason Jones Memorial Foundation provides the essentials our Veterans need to maintain long-term independence.  To the Jason Jones Memorial Foundation, we send our heartfelt thanks and say “Mission accomplished.”

Effective 10/1/22 Opportunity House no longer manages the Supportive Services for Veteran Families grant in Schuylkill County. For assistance, please call Catholic Charities at (610) 435-1541.

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