If you have ever visited the National Home for a summertime event, you have probably seen Jimmy Lawson in action. He is always here early, setting up, fixing last minute hiccups, and making sure everything looks just right. His hard work and reliability balanced with his goofy and fun-loving disposition make him a valued member of the National Home’s maintenance department. Jimmy is a third generation Army vet, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He joined shortly after the tragic events of September 11th and served four years active-duty and four years in the Army Reserves in Ann Arbor, Michigan. While serving active-duty, he deployed twice to Iraq serving as a 63H (tracked vehicle repairman) and cross trained as a 63B (motor pool coordinator). When he returned to Michigan to serve in the Reserves he also worked as a heavy wheel mechanic. All of this training has come in handy at the National Home where for the past seven years, Jimmy regularly works with heavy machinery, as well as plumbing, electrical, wood working, snow removal, and general grounds and campus maintenance. You name it, Jimmy probably does it! When he returned to the Eaton Rapids area where he was born and raised, Jimmy heard that the National Home was needing help in their maintenance department. The National Home feels much like a second home to him, so he was pleased to find the opportunity to work here. His father volunteered at the Home for many years and his mother worked here through a UAW (United Auto Workers) Jobs Bank PEP (Protected Employee Program) that placed laid off General Motors employees in various organizations around the state. “With the honor that has been passed down to me from my father as a veteran, I’m grateful to pass that honor on as a fellow veteran to all the families and children at the VFW National Home.” Says Jimmy. In his downtime Jimmy enjoys hunting and fishing and shooting the custom firearms he builds at the range. He and his wife are raising their two nieces and nephew who are thriving in their loving household.
