MiIitary Man

Jordan Jones ‘packs’ in one mean workout

Photo by Colette Lottinger

WHAT A WORKOUT. Col. Jordan Jones of Luling worked his way into shape for this year’s Crescent City Classic by jogging in full miliary gear.

Up at dawn, in full gear and ready to run across the finish line of the Crescent City Classic, doesn't seem like much of an accomplishment for a military colonel who’s used to the physical fitness requirements of the job.

The difference between Col. Jordan Jones of Luling and hundreds of other Crescent City participants is that he ran the race in 1 hour and 18 minutes wearing a back pack weighing 50 pounds the entire 6.2 mile race.

Jones says the only thing he doesn't carry is his weapon.

"I do it to show support of all of the men and women serving in the armed forces and in the Army National Guard," he said.

"I've been in the military for 28 years and I've accomplished a lot and learned a lot along the way."

Jones did get some reaction from people for running in his uniform.

"A lot of people stopped me during the race and asked me why I was dressed like that," Jones said.

"I was pleasantly surprised that they even wanted to know if someone made me do it."

Jones says he told them it's because he's proud to be a military veteran and he's just showing his support for the troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"The race is 6.2 miles," he said.

"It took 1 hour and 18 minutes for me to complete it."

Jones says that he wants people to recognize the sacrifice that service men and women make everyday for their country.

"I'm proud to serve in the military," he said.

"Being a member of the Army National Guard makes me proud, and wearing my uniform is a reminder of that."

Jones' military career began in October 1979 when he joined the Mississippi Army National Guard as a vehicle mechanic.

Following his initial training, he joined the Louisiana Army National Guard and was assigned as a Battalion Fire Direction Control Specialist in the 1/141st Field Artillery Battalion.

He worked his way up to Sergeant and moved to Bravo Battery as the Fire Direction Control Chief where he was promoted to Staff Sergeant.

Jones, a highly decorated military officer, runs nearly every day through Mimosa Park and Willowdale subdivisions with his 50-pound backpack.