Jerome Washington is a United States Army Combat-Disabled Veteran of the Iraq War, serving the nation proudly as a Screaming Eagle of the 101ST Airborne Division (Air Assault).
He was elected as the Department Commander for Nevada in his hometown of Sparks at the 73RD Annual Convention.
Joining the Army in September 2001, Jerome spent the next year training in preparation for his inevitable deployment. After arriving in Fort Campbell, Kentucky from Fort Benning, Georgia in 2003, he deployed to Iraq where he participated in operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. There he served in many capacities to include assisting with leading his unit in different task forces such as Long Range and Surveillance Detachment and Downed Aircraft and Recovery teams, and Civil Affairs where he was responsible for establishing positive working relationships with non-compliant and friendly forces.
In 2006, Jerome was medically discharged following injuries sustained in services, ending his military career. He married his wonderful bride, Charise, who is also a Combat Veteran that served our nation in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Charise is also a member of the Disabled American Veterans and serves as the Department Adjutant. They have five children ranging from the ages of 4 to 16 years old. Their children are often seen volunteering for Veterans and the community.
Jerome has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration with a concentration in Human Services. He is a licensed and ordained Minister for the State of Nevada and currently serves as an Assistant Pastor in Sparks,
where he is responsible for providing spiritual guidance and counseling throughout the community. He is often requested by local and state government officials to provide ministerial services, to include the House of
Representatives as well as the Governors office.
His chosen career since 2010 has been with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) where he currently serves as a Supervisor Legal Administrative Specialists. Throughout his years of services with the VA, he has been accredited and nationally recognized for spearheading one of the most robust outreach teams in the nation.
Jerome has focused on volunteerism, fundraising, organization support, and assists in membership growth and participation, specifically concerning our member’s population within college and Gulf War era Veterans.
Having a proven history of service to others, he is considered a champion in Veteran advocacy and is frequently called upon for teaching and assisting Veterans with their benefits and providing aid as needed.
In continuation of service, Jerome has served in other organizations and leadership roles in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, American Veterans (AMVETS) Association, and other non-profit organizations, to include being an avid youth sports coach. Jerome is also frequently called upon to serve on varying committees to include community Veteran boards, Veterans Benefits Advisory committees, and he has served in and with other organizations such as Gold Star Families, Honor Flight Nevada, and the Truckee Meadows Suicide Prevention Team.