Patrick C. Jackson
U.S. Marine Corps 1990– 2000
Patrick C. Jackson, driven by a strong family legacy of military service, joined the Marine Corps directly after high school, attending boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in 1990. His military career spanned a decade, emphasizing discipline, leadership, and community service. Jackson’s early ambition to escape difficult circumstances in East St. Louis motivated his lifelong dedication to the Marines. His service included various deployments, extensive training exercises, and opportunities to mentor younger Marines. Jackson highlighted his boot camp experience as transformative, shaping his character, resilience, and leadership skills. His service embodied a balance of military rigor and personal growth, influencing his post-service life profoundly as a committed veteran advocate and community leader. Jackson continues to serve his community as a mentor, focusing on youth empowerment and spiritual development.
Full Interview
Interview Summary
Access the complete transcript here
Introduction (0:47 — 1:32)
Early Life and First Ambitions (1:32 — 8:26)
Boot Camp and Becoming a Marine (08:26 — 17:55)
First Duty Station and Administrative Work (17:55 — 24:43)
Deployments to the Middle East (24:43 — 34:37)
Humor, Food, and Cultural Perspective (34:37 — 39:19)
Civilian Transition and New Purpose (39:19 — 45:07)
Legacy, Leadership, and Final Reflections (45:07 — 54:05)
