Assembly Republican Leader Kristin Olsen, of Modesto, honored Army National Guard Capt. Cynthia Jones as the 2015 Veteran of the Year for the 12th Assembly District. Capt. Jones is currently serving as the Company Commander for the Chinook Unit in Stockton, Bravo Company, 1-126th Aviation Regiment – and is the first woman to serve in this capacity.
“I am honored to recognize Captain Cynthia Jones for her service to our country. Her leadership in the California Army National Guard is an inspiration to other female service members who hope to follow in her footsteps as a military leader,” said Olsen. “Not only is she a military officer, but she is also a mom of two and a military spouse herself. She exemplifies what it means to be a Veteran of the Year, and I am proud to recognize her on behalf of a grateful community.”
Capt. Jones graduated from the Army ROTC program at Washington State University in 2006, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Aviation. Following her training at Fort Rucker, AL, Capt. Jones was then assigned to Charlie Company, 1-140th Aviation Regiment at Fort Lewis, Washington, where she served as Platoon Leader.
In 2010, Capt. Jones completed an Inter State Transfer to the California Army National Guard. She joined Alpha Company, 3-140th Aviation Regiment as a Platoon Leader and Flight Operations Officer. She supported several mobilizations within the Battalion, taking on the responsibilities as a fulltime S1 officer, while also serving as the Rear Detachment Company Commander for Bravo Company, 1-126th Aviation Regiment.
She has been honored with the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Basic Aviator Badge.
She is married to National Guard pilot, Daniel Jones, and together they have two daughters, Naomi and Mary.
“I am honored to receive this recognition from Assembly Member Olsen,” said Capt. Jones. “I proudly wear the uniform of our country’s Armed Forces not to receive any honors or recognition. I am proud to serve because I want to protect my country, and ensure that my children and grandchildren will be able to live in freedom.”
Assemblywoman Olsen and Capt. Jones attended the eighth annual Veteran of the Year Recognition Luncheon last week with other veterans and state lawmakers. At the luncheon, Veteran of the Year honorees were recognized from all 80 Assembly Districts.
Ensuring that California’s veterans receive the recognition they deserve is an important priority for Olsen. She has strongly supported legislation that would improve veterans’ access to health care, housing, higher education, job training, and employment opportunities.
