Norman Jones began his service to our country at an early age. He joined the Air Force at 17 years old. After 15 years of service, Norman suffered a cardiac arrest while working out at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. It was at that point, Colonel Jones was honorably discharged with 20% disability, but not without being honored with the Air Force Achievement Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal.
Colonel Jones and his wife eventually moved back to Columbus, OH to be closer to Pamela’s family. In particular her father, who also served as a Colonel in the Air Force. Colonel Jones decided to further his education with the help of a VA grant that allowed him to receive the proper training to become a paramedic and multi skilled Health Care Provider. Colonel Jones would spend several years as a volunteer paramedic with the Madison County Emergency Medical District and Minerva Park Volunteer Fire Department and was eventually awarded the Presidential Volunteer Award by President Bush in 2004. However, his health conditions continued to worsen.
Colonel Jones suffered a mini stroke and was diagnosed with Diabetes. Troubles continued with a bad back and knees which plagued him to the point of needing wheelchair assistance on a full time basis. The VA was able to help provide a powered wheel chair; however, there were still more adjustments needed to be made. Colonel Jones visited the Military Veterans Resource Center where he met Doug Schultz who helped point him in the direction of the 3rd and Goal Foundation. Colonel Jones and his wife dedicated their greatest need was a remodeled bathroom to help fit his needs. 3rd and Goal was fortunate enough to partner with Kuhn’s Contracting to help fulfill this “Touchdown.” We are very thankful for Colonel Jones services to this country, our partners and donors who made this gift possible.
