VSO TOM JACKSON 

Tom retired from the Navy as a Chief Navigation Electronics Technician (Submarines), serving from November 1988 to June 2012. He served onboard three Submarines including the USS Hammerhead (SSN 663) serving in Navigation Division, homeported in Norfolk, VA, and USS Seawolf (SSN 21) serving in Navigation Division and USS Albuquerque (SSN 706) serving as Navigation Division’s Leading Petty Officer, homeported in Groton, CT. His shore assignments included tours at Naval Submarine School serving as an Instructor for Navigation Electronics Technician Operators, Naval Submarine Support Facility serving in the Quality Assurance Division as the Audit Surveillance and Evaluation Coordinator and Submarine Learning Center, Submarine On Board Training Component serving as the Navigation, Communications and Quality Assurance Program Coordinator for the Submarine Force’s computer based training. All his shore tours were in Groton, CT. During his service, he completed multiple overseas deployments in support of the defense of our Country. His awards include a Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (5 awards), Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy E Ribbon (Battle “E”), Navy Good Conduct Medal (7 Awards), National Defense Service Medal (2 awards), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Navy Sea Service Ribbon, Navy Arctic Service Ribbon, Coast Guard Special Operations Ribbon, Navy Expert Rifle Ribbon, and Navy Expert Pistol Ribbon. 

Tom is married to Melissa Jackson, CEO of the Vermont Veterans Home, and they have been married for over 25 years. They have three children, LCPL Dakota Jackson, USMC attached to the 1st Battalion 8th Marine Regiment stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC, Amanda Jackson and Daniel Jackson, both attending high school at Burr and Burton Academy in Manchester, VT. They have lived in Vermont since Tom’s retirement in June 2012.

Tom is active in the Community serving as the Chairperson for the Vermont Veterans Golf Tournament, raising awareness and money to support Vermont based organizations providing direct support to Vermont Veterans. He is also an active member of the Board of Directors for the Veterans Outreach and Family Resource Center in Bennington, VT, providing aid and support to Veterans and their families.