RICHMOND, Va. –
Master Sgt. Sammy Jones started his military career in the Puerto Rico National Guard before transferring to the Virginia National Guard in 1999. Over his decades of service, Jones deployed three times, including twice to Iraq, and has served in units including the 229th and 266th Military Police Companies and now 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute and now serves as the operations noncommissioned officer for the 329th Regional Support Group.
“My favorite part of serving has been ultimately being able to contribute to the freedom and safety of the U.S.A., its territories and our partner nations just like my father did before me,” Jones said. “Second to that, has been the friendships I have made along the way, both U.S. and NATO.”
For Jones, Hispanic Heritage Month is a way to acknowledge that everyone has a place in the community and that all people, and all roles, are appreciated. Respect, he said, is a big part of his culture and his daily life.
“Respect is a big part of our culture as with many other cultures. Respect for our elders, superiors and strangers alike,” Jones said. “Given that, I celebrate my culture by respecting others and being a good person to those I work with and for in hopes that I am representing my family, my culture and my service well.”
In addition to his many years of military service, Jones also served as a police officer in the cities of both Hampton and Portsmouth.