ADA, OK – Jamie Jones has been promoted to Assistant Deputy Secretary with the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet). In her new role, Jones, of Sacramento, CA, will oversee veteran outreach, memorials and cemeteries for CalVet, an organization that serves California’s 1.6 million veterans and their families.
Jones, a Chickasaw citizen, was honored for her new role during a blanket ceremony, which was hosted by CalVet and included representatives from the Chickasaw Nation, as well as Chickasaw veterans. A blanket ceremony is a First American tradition symbolizing a milestone in one’s life and is a means to honor and show respect to the recipient.
“We commend her dedication and passion for ensuring veterans receive the benefits and care they need and deserve,” said Chickasaw Nation Governor Anoatubby. “We wish her continued success and look forward to the meaningful impact she is sure to make in her new role.”
Jones has served the State of California in various capacities for 26 years, with more than a decade of service at CalVet. She said she is humbled to be appointed to the new position.
“I have the unique opportunity to engage with our veteran community through a variety of programs and honor the legacies of our veterans and ensure a dignified resting place for our heroes at state veterans’ cemeteries,” said Jones. “CalVet is here to ensure that California veterans are the most connected, protected and respected veterans in America, and it’s the greatest way we can truly honor and begin to repay those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”
Through outreach programs and a variety of other programs, CalVet’s mission is to serve and honor California veterans by connecting them and their families with their earned benefits through education, advocacy and direct services.
“We are there for veterans through every stage of their life cycle and for every moment that matters throughout their lives,” said Jones. “We help them prepare for civilian life as they separate from the military, and we help them connect to their federal benefits, health care and other benefits, as well as their GI benefits, and we do that throughout their life cycle.”
CalVet serves veterans with the mantra “connected, protected and respected.”
“The first point in all of those things is ensuring they’re connected with their benefits, and that’s what we do every day,” said Jones. “I’m just absolutely honored that I’m charged with outreaching to these veterans through every moment that matters throughout their life and then ensuring that they are in a final honorable resting place. It makes me emotional that I have this opportunity, and I am just so thankful that they entrust this very important role to me,” she said.
