Jeffrey L. Gay | News, Sports, Jobs – Marshall Independent
I started out as a child, I’ve not progressed much further since then, according to my wife! OK, maybe some… Growing up is not an option, growing old is a struggle but growing forward is an art.
• I was born and raised in Marshall, MN
• I worked as a mechanic basically raised in my father’s shop
• Graduated Marshall High School
• Joined the Army National Guard as Infantry and ultimately went active duty as Infantry and Recruiter
• I am married and have three children, Jason Gray, (special friend Maggie) who is now a known Christian Musician, Mandy Miller (Dustin) and our foster daughter, Terri Jandera (Bill).
• Along with 9 grandchildren – (Jason’s) Kristopher, Jacob & Gus Gray. (Mandy’s) Easton, Corbyn & Olyvia. (Terri’s) Jonathon, Casey & Jessica.
• Throughout the years I found that bartending was not only a good part-time job it also afforded me the opportunity to get to know people at their best and their worst and everything in between thus teaching me the art of listening and how to handle difficult situations.
• Over the years I have managed a couple of the clubs and worked as banquet chef.
• I’ve been in sales, law enforcement (13 Years between St James & Jackson), was a volunteer fireman (Lynd), construction but overall, I remained in the military as full time support staff for a field artillery battery as well as a combat engineer company.
• I retired from the Military with 25 years active duty and Guard/Reserve and then began working as a DoD contractor for 10 years assisting military families and servicemembers as they prepare for deployment and return and the families during the deployments in the absence of their servicemember.
• I retired…
• I retired from retirement
• In mid-April 2018 I accepted the position of Jackson County Veteran Service Office through December 2021.
• Also:
• Facilitate court ordered domestic violence group training for SW Mental Health in Windom, MN
• Board member for Women’s Rural Advocacy Program
• Southwest EMS Programs
• Critical Incident Stress Manager/Debriefer
• Compassion Fatigue Therapist
• Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)
• State Public Affairs Director
• I also hold the position of State Ombudsman
• American Legion
• Past Commander of Post 113, Marshall, MN
• 7th District Commander of the Department of MN American Legion
• Department State Training Chairperson.
• Community
• Initiated “Jackson in Action” program to provide a community forum for local residents to speak concerns, ideas, etc.
• Candidate for City of Jackson Alderman
• City Councilman for Ward 2 in Jackson, Jan. 1, 2019 – Dec. 31, 2021
In my spare time I pluck away at my wife’s honey-do list, buy power tools (making sawdust out of perfectly good boards as I attempt wood working) and do freelance writing for a several organizations.