Heights graduates enlisted in military eligible for travel award

Graduating Wisconsin Heights area high school seniors who enlist in any branch of the military are now eligible receive financial benefits from the Ben Jackson Foundation – a local area non-profit in New Glarus. The Ben Jackson Foundation was named after Ben Jackson, New Glarus High School Class of 2016, who passed away on April 13, 2018, while serving in the US Air Force as an Aerospace Propulsion Technician. About seven weeks before he died, he surprised family and friends with his first visit home in 14 months, and his first since arriving at his first permanent duty station at Misawa Air Base, Japan. “Our family was so grateful to have that last visit with Ben when he was home. He got to see so many family and friends – it meant so much to so many people,” Larry Jackson, Ben’s father and founder of the Foundation, said. “We want to make sure that the young people in our communities that volunteer to serve have the same opportunity to visit home after they get stationed somewhere. It’s an important thing for them to do early in their career, and it’s important for their family, too.” New military members receive a commitment of financial support, called a Military Travel Award, typically before they leave for basic training. Later, when they take that first trip home from their new “military home,” they receive a check to help cover the cost of their flights, food, and any other expenses they have may have. The amount given is usually $500 for domestic trips home, and $1,000 when coming from an overseas base. When possible, Travel Awards are presented at high school senior award nights, when other awards and scholarships are presented. Ben’s parents commented that, “We owe a debt of gratitude to these young people, those who will not be able to use an academic scholarship 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.” To learn more, to donate, to apply for a grant, or to nominate someone entering the military, visit www.benjacksonfoundation.org. Donations can also be mailed to W5327 Windmill Ridge Road, New Glarus, WI 53574.