ABOUT US
"We want to recognize our military, and we want to make sure they have the chance to visit home."
- Larry Jackson, Founder
About 7 weeks before Ben Jackson passed away, he surprised his family and friends with his first visit home in 14 months, and his first since arriving at his first permanent duty station-Misawa Air Base, Japan-where he was serving in the US Air Force. Ben's family and friends will always cherish memories of that visit.
Because of the generosity of so many, and as a way to say "thank you" to the young men and women that have chosen to enlist in the US military, the Ben Jackson Foundation helps these young people visit family and friends while serving at their first permanent duty station, wherever that may be.
What we do.
Flights and other travel expenses make up a substantial portion of what younger enlisted personnel earn in a month. We want to make sure that new military members are able to take a trip home to see family and friends, especially when they are first starting out and a long way from home.
Those enlisted in any branch of the US Military are eligible to receive a Ticket Home Award from the Ben Jackson Foundation. This is our commitment to support them. Once they get to their first permanent duty station and then return home, they are eligible to receive payment for the Ticket Home Award.
Have you enlisted, or are you thinking about it?
Why we do it.
We owe a debt of gratitude to these young people, those who are not typically eligible for academic scholarships due to the path they have chosen. It is our hope that this small token of our appreciation and financial assistance will help make it possible for them to visit home.
It's our way of giving back to those who have made the commitment to serve on behalf of all of us.
Want to help us accomplish our mission?
How we do it.
We review hundreds of applications every month. While everyone that serves is deserving of a Ticket Home Award, we narrow down our list of applicants to select an average of 10 service members per month.
We also work with local media make people aware of the amazing men and women that have made this choice to serve our country, and we promote awareness of their service on social media and community events.
Want to see what they are doing for us?
Our Mission
The mission of the Ben Jackson Foundation is to help newly enlisted members of the United States military reunite with their families.
Our Vision
Our vision is a world where every member of our armed services can reunite with loved ones without added financial stress.
Our Values
- Efficiency: The Ben Jackson Foundation recognizes the importance of maximizing the contributions of our donors for those we serve. We will seek to minimize our expenses and operate as efficiently as possible in pursuit of our objectives while ensuring every application is carefully considered.
- Gratitude: We are grateful for our beneficiaries' service and are honored to spread Ben's legacy by helping them. We recognize the critical role all of our donors play and are grateful for their support. We appreciate the trust you place in us with your donations.
- Diversity & Inclusion: The Ben Jackson Foundation works to develop a culture of inclusion and recognizes the diversity of all. We celebrate the unique differences of our donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries.
A Gift of a Lifetime
A brief overview of the Ben Jackson Foundation - who we are, what we do, and why we do it. Statistics up through November 2021
The Ben Jackson Foundation Team
Larry Jackson
Wenesday Traylor
Brittany Kiefer
Teri Angell
Rick Desens
