“Every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities. And to the children of our country, regardless of your gender, our country has sent you a clear message: dream with ambition, lead with conviction, and see yourself in a way that others might not see you, simply because they’ve never seen it before. And we will applaud you every step of the way.” — Kamala Harris, Vice-President Elect of the United States of America

PATRIOTISM WORTH CELEBRATING

**KNOWLEDGE IS POWER —** As part of **Making Headline News’ 2023 Essence Music Festival** national coverage amid “the party with a purpose” event June 29 through July 3 in New Orleans, retired Army veteran **Jacalyn L. Slater** spoke at length about how she advanced her education while serving her country, a trend that, much to her delight, allowed her to reap sustained success as military soldier. Slater has been named a recipient for The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

Say this about Jacalyn L. Slater: She is a woman who exemplifies true patriotism.

Consider, for instance, Slater’s illustrious tenure in the United States Army, where the 70-year-old veteran had spent a little more than two decades from 1972-1993.

A native of Somerset, New Jersey by way of Williamston, North Carolina, Slater would be the first to admit that after a rewarding stint of serving her country, she’s undoubtedly enjoying the fruits of labor.

And to the fact that Slater’s valiant contributions to her country and community have been nothing short of impressive, and it’s no wonder this beloved U. S. veteran has been named a recipient for The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

“We are thrilled to announce that Jackie Slater has been selected to receive the prestigious award,” said retired Air Force veteran Dr. Radiance Rose, referring to an honor that is powered by ViVi Cole Coaching & Consulting LLC, an official certifying organization that is affiliated with President Biden. “Jackie is among the esteemed trailblazers who will be recognized for their dedication and outstanding commitment to volunteerism & service, which has made a positive impact on the communities they serve.”

For Slater, her rise to being named the beneficiary for a monumental presidential honor comes amid humble beginnings.

BEAUTY FOR ASHES

**GOD STILL MADE A WAY SOMEHOW —** “To be honest, school was never really my forte,” said Slater, whole enrolled at University of Maryland Global Campus Europe and later at Clayton State University. “My mission in life was to serve. I was raised in a family where there were no neighbors, just family. Our home was always open if someone was hungry or needed a place to lay their heads. I saw that then as a child and I now continue to serve the community now.”

“Right after high school, I attempted to attend Barbizon Secretarial School and realized that was not what I wanted to do,” Slater told Making Headline News. “So at the age of 19, I made the decision to join the military.”

Fortunately for Slater, she would ultimately find her fervent niche in the military.

As part of Making Headline News’ 2023 Essence Music Festival national coverage amid “the party with a purpose” event June 29 through July 3 in New Orleans, Slater spoke at length about how she advanced her education while serving her country, a trend that, much to her delight, allowed her to reap sustained success as military soldier.

“To be honest, school was never really my forte,” said Slater, whole enrolled at University of Maryland Global Campus Europe and later at Clayton State University. “My mission in life was to serve. I was raised in a family where there were no neighbors, just family. Our home was always open if someone was hungry or needed a place to lay their heads. I saw that then as a child and I now continue to serve the community now.”

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**HUMBLED AND HONORED —** *For Slater, her rise to being named the beneficiary for a monumental presidential honor comes amid humble beginnings.*

Since her ceremonious retirement from the military, Slater has carved out a favorable track record, particularly with regards to community service.

A devoted member of Universal Supreme Council of the Thirty-Third and Last Degree and Order of Eastern Star — “I believe their motto is what drew me to this organization: To Aid, Befriend, and Comfort All, Who Are Worthy,” she said — Slater wasted little time making her presence felt as a new member to the organization.

“Since becoming a member, I’ve learned to give of myself to those that don’t have the same opportunities as I have,” Slater said. “I also believe that as a people, we are all just one paycheck from being homeless. I also believe in helping the children. This is why at one point, my chapter adopted a children’s shelter, making sure they had food, furnishings for their rooms, and school supplies throughout the year.

“(I also enjoyed) bringing some happiness to the elderly in nursing homes during the holidays. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day bring joy to them and myself because some of them are just put there and don’t have any family or visitors. Recently, we have started giving back to the First Responders by stocking their shelves with snacks, water, and other items needed that they don’t have a chance to do themselves. So, I guess you could say we cater to all ages. Just knowing that I am doing what I was meant to do without expecting any return. I actually love helping others and that’s what keeps me going.”

Interestingly enough, Slater’s community contributions include having joined the International Association of Women of Color (IAMWOC) earlier this year.

A credible organization that is comprised of women and men of each branch of the military, IAMWOC’s members customarily speak for the military before Congress as a strategic way to assist with things needed for those serving, as well as retired military vets. The organization also gives aid to homeless veterans.

Also, Slater is a Legacy Lifetime Member of X-Clusive Retreats, which is the brainchild of Dr. Rose, who is the founder and director of the organization.

This organization, by all accounts, allows women to know who they are and realize that they are enough, Slater explained.

REAPING A HARVEST

**A SERVANT’S HEART —** A native of Somerset, New Jersey by way of Williamston, North Carolina, Slater would be the first to admit that after a rewarding stint of serving her country, she’s undoubtedly enjoying the fruits of labor.

“Dr. Rose has pushed me to new heights of my life, making me realize who I am and what can be,” Slater told MHN. “She is the one that pushed me to be involved. So, I would say she is my inspiration to be true to myself and strive to do better. For this, I have to give honor to her. Because of this beautiful woman, I am set to receive the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award on December 9, 2023.

Amongst the biggest reasons is that she is a woman who exemplifies true patriotism.

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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist or Instagram at @makingheadlinenews.