Font size:
Major Thomas Jenks has led a life of service from the oil fields of Kuwait to classrooms in America. He dedicated himself to helping the people around him as a U.S. Army officer and later as a teacher, and now he is carrying on that commitment by joining the Mackinac Center Legacy Society.
Major Jenks grew up in Sanford with five siblings and attended Meridian schools before joining the ROTC program at Central Michigan University. He went on to serve his country for two decades as an active duty soldier, deploying with the 3rd Armored Division
in the Gulf War and seeing firsthand the realities of conflict and sacrifice.
Following his military service, Major Jenks undertook a career in education, spending 20 years teaching in the Junior ROTC program at Cleveland’s Collinwood High School from 1995-2014. His exemplary military career, devotion to serving as a JROTC senior army instructor and extensive involvement in veterans organizations earned him induction into both the Central Michigan University ROTC Hall of Fame (2012) and the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame (2020).
Major Jenks now enjoys his time as a substitute teacher for the local schools in Bath. When he isn’t working on his professional pursuits, he enjoys riding motorcycles. His love for riding developed at the age of 14, and he shares his enthusiasm with a new generation. His students like it when he arrives at school on a Harley.
Throughout his life, Major Jenks has been a fervent advocate for the causes he believes in, including veterans benefits and the free-market principles championed by the Mackinac Center.
“I appreciate what the Mackinac Center is doing on policy,” he says. “I’ve been involved in many military veterans organizations, and I understand the importance of advocating for policies rather than individuals in politics.”
By establishing a charitable gift annuity with the Legacy Society, Major Thomas Jenks can be sure that his tradition of service and generosity will be felt for generations to come. We can all find inspiration in his advocacy for meaningful policy change and dedication to the principles of freedom.
