We are thrilled to have Jennifer Jones on our funeral support team. She has a degree in Early Childhood education and is actively pursuing a second degree in Funeral Services. She is heavily engaged in the community. She served as an instructor for the local Naval Sea Cadets and continues to work with our very own “Operation Toy Soldier” program giving back to military veterans and their families.
Jennifer enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve on September 11, 2000. In 2004 she then attended BM”A”-School to become a Boatswain Mate and upon graduation of “A”- school, she was meritoriously promoted to E4. While in the Coast Guard she served as a radio watch stander and boarding team member (BTM) conducting search and rescue operations with Coast Guard Station Sand Key, Clearwater, FL.
After completing 8 years in the Coast Guard, she enlisted in the US Navy Reserve and is currently still serving with an estimated retirement date of May 2025. Jennifer volunteered to mobilize for 11 months overseas in support of Operation Noble Eagle in 2011. Upon completion of that deployment, she was assigned a billet with Assault Craft Unit-1(ACU-1), Rattlesnake Point, Tampa. While at ACU-1 she excelled at her role as primary Training Leading Petty Officer (LPO) and as a result of her hard work, she was meritoriously advanced yet again to E5 in 2014.
In 2011 Petty officer Jones volunteered to perform dignified military graveside honors for fallen Navy Veterans and in 2015 she was hand selected to serve on active duty as the lead funeral honor guard coordinator working for Navy Operational Support Center out of MacDill AFB, Tampa. In this role she meticulously coordinated well over 2,600 graveside services and managed a team of at least 60 sailors. Although no longer on Active Duty, Jennifer continues to serve her Navy community by volunteering to perform an average of 2-4 uniformed graveside honors per week. In 2017 She was Promoted to E6 (Navy Petty Officer First Class).
In October 2018 she was assigned to Navy Cargo Handling Battalion Eleven (NCHB-11) Surface Company Bravo and was designated Unit Leading Petty Officer (LPO) selflessly providing guidance to over 103 sailors. With NCHB-11 she received her qualifications as a Cargo Handling Stevedore and is completing her qualifications towards being a Crane Operator. Jennifer tirelessly devotes herself to the mission of her command, her Sailors and the families she serves almost daily at Veterans Funeral Care.
Jennifer has been selected for Sailor of the quarter 3 times during her career and nominated for Sailor of the year 3 years in a row. Her uniform is decorated with 4 Navy Achievement Medals, 1 Global War on terrorism ribbon, 1 National Defense ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve medal, a Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service ribbon, Sharpshooter Pistol and Marksman Rifle ribbon, a Good Conduct medal, and an Expeditionary Warfare Device pin
Jennifer resides in Clearwater with her husband William, two sons, one daughter and dog (Riley). She is a humble and well-grounded individual with strong faith and love for her country, A true patriot!
