United States Air Force Veteran Anthony Andre Jones’ life reads like a Hollywood movie script filled with a revealing plot with twists and turns. He feels as if this storyline could have only been written by God.
During his military service in the Air Force, Anthony managed a team in Billeting, the management of the base barracks and hotel. His military career included being stationed at Griffiss AFB New York, RAF Upper Heyford, England, McClellan AFB, California, and Kunsan, Korea.
While he was stationed in London, England, he was the disc jockey on the base NCO and Officers club, at the Penthouse Club in London, and at other bases in England. He got noticed by BET network and was offered his own television show. In England, he also narrowly avoided death by an IRA bombing in Hyde Park, London leaving him with PTSD.
After his years in the military, he returned to New York City and was part of the film industry there as an independent film producer and investor. He produced 4 independent films including 2 faith-based films.
Re-directed to Reading, Pennsylvania
After moving to Illinois, Anthony maintained ties to Philadelphia and its film industry. On a trip back to the east coast, he reconnected with a business partner from 20 years earlier. This started a new partnership of building a multimedia film production studio in Reading, Pennsylvania. Anthony took over as Property Manager of a condemned 4-story office building and 7-story warehouse and got the building back in code, reopened for their new business venture and it brought in new tenants. During that time, COVID-19 was in full force and Jones was stuck living in an office building. It was less than ideal. “I got a bad skin rash from living in the building and I knew I needed to get out of there,” he noted.
That’s when he connected with the Veterans Program at Opportunity House. “I was given food and support. I’m so thankful for the VA Medical Center in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and the Veterans Program. They provided information to help me secure permanent housing and the care I needed.”
With the assistance of a case manager, Anthony was able to secure a brand-new apartment in a newly constructed high-rise building in Reading. “I thank God for you. I am sitting in a new apartment because of your assistance, care, and support. You gave me everything I needed and more. God sent me here for a reason and the reason is shining through,” he added.
Anthony Andre Jones, veteran and film producer.
Anthony now has a new apartment, new business and city connections, and a desire to help other veterans get the care and services they need. He’s now the CEO, of Chase Nelson Consultants International LLC., V.P. of Reading Film Studios, and President, of Film, Television, and Multimedia Production for Cure Cancer With Music Inc. – (www.curecancerwithmusic.org).
Veterans, if you are homeless and seeking shelter, call Opportunity House at 610-374-4696 ext 247. Effective 10/1/22 Opportunity House no longer manages the Supportive Services for Veteran Families grant. For assistance, please call Catholic Charities at (610) 435-1541.