The United States Military Academy at West Point announced the establishment of the annual Cpt. Jason B. Jones Award during a ceremony held on April 25. It honors the legacy of Orwigsburg native and Army Cpt. Jason Jones.
The new award recognizes a graduating cadet each year who exemplifies “the highest qualities of humility, selfless service, loyalty, and resolve to push beyond limits,” qualities that defined Jones throughout his military career and life.
The announcement took place during a commemoration ceremony in the Van Fleet Auditorium at West Point, attended by family, friends, fellow soldiers, and academy personnel. The ceremony featured the dedication of a newly established memorial within Dormitory D2, where Jones resided during his final three years as a cadet. This space, now named the Jason Jones Room, is dedicated in his honor, preserving his memory and providing ongoing inspiration to future generations of cadets.
Sgt. Maj. Michael McCloskey, from the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, served as the guest speaker. McCloskey, who traveled from Pinehurst, NC, previously served alongside Jones during their deployment to Jalalabad, Afghanistan.
Jones graduated sixth in his class from West Point in 2007, earning his degree in Nuclear Engineering. A distinguished leader, Jones captained the D2 Sandhurst Military Skills Team, representing West Point in the rigorous Sandhurst Competition against teams from other U.S. military branches and international services.
After graduation, Jones received his commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry in August 2007. He completed the Basic Infantry Officer Course and the elite Ranger School, later assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. There, he achieved the prestigious designation of Jumpmaster.
Jones was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he held multiple leadership roles including Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, and Battalion Air Operations Officer. After his time in Iraq, he volunteered for and successfully completed the demanding Special Forces Qualification Course in May 2013.
Jones subsequently joined the 1st Battalion, Special Forces Group (Airborne), serving as a Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha Commander. In April 2014, he deployed to Afghanistan, where he lost his life during a mission to liberate an Afghan village occupied by Taliban forces near Jalalabad.
In honor of his sacrifice, a memorial service held at his base in Afghanistan led to the renaming of the MSS station to MSS Jones.
Throughout his service, Jones received numerous decorations and awards, including two Bronze Star Medals, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. He was also recognized with the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. He earned distinctive badges and tabs, including the Ranger Tab, Special Forces Tab, Expert Infantry Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Parachutist Badge.
Jones was raised in Orwigsburg, graduating from Blue Mountain High School in 2003. He is survived by his parents, Jay and Suzy Jones, and his sister, Dr. Elizabeth Gambogi.
Shortly after his passing, classmates from Blue Mountain High School established the Captain Jason Jones Memorial Foundation to honor his legacy. The foundation awards scholarships to graduating students from high schools throughout Schuylkill County, and provides financial support to organizations benefiting families of fallen patriots and disabled veterans.
Additional information about the Captain Jason Jones Memorial Foundation is available at www.captainjasonjones.com.
Information from a press release/Submitted photos
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