Patricia Jackson-Kelley is a veteran of the United States Air Force and Air Force, Army and Navy Reserve. She retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after 26 years of combined active duty and reserve service. Lt. Col. Jackson-Kelley served as the Program Manager for a 40-bed substance abuse ward and as the Women Veteran Program Manager with the Department of Veterans Affairs – West Los Angeles. During her employment, she was instrumental in implementing programs, funds and resources for women veterans. During her time at the Veterans Hospital, she also served as one of the initial board members during the formation of U.S. VETS. Currently, Lt. Col Jackson-Kelley serves as the National President of the National Association of Black Military Women.
Lt. Col. Jackson-Kelley has received awards and commendations from President George W. Bush, California Governor’s Offices 2006-2009, NAACP, Blacks in Government, and various other community organizations. In 2010 she was selected as Southern California Women Veteran of the Year by the California Department of Veterans Affairs. She also received commendation from past V A secretary, Robert McDonald for her service on the National Center for Minority Veterans committee from 2015-2017. In 2017 Lt. Col Kelley-Jackson was awarded the Lifetime Legacy Award by Connected Women of Influence, and in 2018 she received the Crystal Eagle Award by Los Angeles County African American Employees Association. Also in 2018, Lt. Col Jackson-Kelley was honored as the Holeman Community Development Corporation Quiet Champion Award, she received the City of Los Angeles Hall of Fame Award, and was named UCLA Veteran of the Year. In 2019 she was the Hollywood Business and Professional Women Black History Month Honoree.
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