The Jackson Family

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Alvin Jackson

The fifth of six children, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Alvin Jackson grew up in Etowah, Tennessee, surrounded by his brothers and sisters. In 1968, Jackson, then a freshman at Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee, received a draft notice. He completed basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Advanced Individual Training in Fort Benning, Georgia, before being sent to Vietnam.

Jackson spent 13 months in Vietnam, from May 1969 until June 1970. While on combat duty in Vietnam, Jackson was injured three times. Jackson was later honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. In addition, he served nearly 20 years as a member of the U.S. Army National Guard.

As a result of his service in Vietnam and exposure to Agent Orange, Jackson has developed lung cancer. He has beat cancer twice and is currently in remission. In recognition of his valiant service in Vietnam, Jackson has been recognized with the Combat Infantryman Badge and a Purple Heart.

Jackson and his wife, Zandra, currently live in Cleveland, Tennessee. Their home was damaged significantly by tornadoes in 2020. The couple is active in their church, and Jackson enjoys golf, hunting and fishing when he has time.

Operation Finally Home is honored to partner with Lowes along with the Ocoee Region Builders Association, Charles Blankenship, Lamar Orr, Men and Women of Action with strong support from Bradley County and the Cleveland community in providing U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Alvin Jackson and his family with a mortgage-free home in Cleveland, Tennessee.