J. A. Jackson

Researching and writing From Mail to Mountain was a labor of love for the author, John Jackson. Utilizing skills developed through simultaneous public careers in the military and municipal firefighting, Mr. Jackson creatively relates the story of his father’s service in the 10th Mountain Division during World War II in Italy. John’s ability to draw readers in and hold their attention while relating the events during the division’s Apennine Mountains and Po Valley campaigns establishes him as a highly skilled author.

John’s military career spanned twenty-eight years, including four years in the United States Air Force, followed by twenty-four years in the Army Reserve. Following his retirement in 2009 as a Master Sergeant (E-8), John worked for the Army Staff at the Pentagon for five years. During his military service and while working for Army Operations, John wrote and contributed to a range of documents including Army policies, intelligence reports, and NATO standards. As a decorated reservist, John supported the Army’s European Command, including a one-year mobilization tour following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and later served a second tour at the Defense Intelligence Agency. John’s love of history, respect for his father, and close family ties inspired him to write From Mail to Mountain.

While rising through the ranks as a municipal fire fighter, John became a state certified fire service trainer, later engaging in curriculum development and training for hazardous materials, terrorism, and emergency management. He served as a shift captain and interim chief before retiring from the fire service in 2008 as a Deputy Chief. John also pursued his Master’s Degree in Human Resource Development (Leadership) and went on to teach business and leadership courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Eventually, utilizing his many years of experience, he became the Program Manager for an undergraduate public services degree program.

Additional information about John, his father, and From Mail to Mountain can be found at www.mailtomountain.com.