Voices of our Veterans: Gail Hamilton
JACKSON, TN (WNBJ) - It’s time now for the monthly Voices of our Veterans story, which highlights our local veterans in the community. This month we’re spotlighting Gail Hamilton.
Gail served in the United States Army for 20 years from December 1975 to July 1996. She is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was recruited while working as a waitress by a U.S. Colonel.
“I went to Fort Gordon. I tested really high in the mechanical because I like to take things apart and putting them back together and find how they work. So, I tested really high and so my first job or MOS was tel-tech repair,” said Gail Hamilton, a retired U.S. Army Sergeant 1st Class.
While in the army, Gail spent 11 years in Germany, where she was able to connect with her German roots.
“So, I spent 11 years in Germany, which was really a blessing because I loved to travel at the time. I got to see a lot of Europe and you know to explore and meet the Germans, live with the Germans. Because that’s my heritage, I am German, so it was really nice to be able to see where my people came from,” said Hamilton.
Her home-based was Fort Gordon in Georgia. While there she taught MOS, which stands for Military Occupational Specialty, and for her teaching young soldiers was truly a joy.
“You know, Fort Gordon is a really good place to be. It’s a training base so you have the chance to influence young soldiers. I, of course, taught them their MOS, their computers, and their teletypes and everything, but you still had a chance to make your mark on them as young soldiers and future leaders," said Hamilton.
Gail was a trailblazer, being one of the very few women in the mechanical division of the army.
“I was ready to set an example, to make a difference, to be a trailblazer in center areas,” said Hamilton.
Now, Gail continues to serve her community by teaching Sunday school and volunteering at a local horse rescue.
“We all have something to give to our community. I think it’s important that we be involved in the community because we are the ones who are going to make it either worse or better. I just want to leave something a little better, than I left it than when I came,” said Hamilton.
Gail says being able to pour into the younger generation is something that is near and dear to her heart and is critical to the future.
