By: Barry Engelhardt

When Air Force veteran Jay Less received a letter from Jefferson Elementary second grader Mackson Halloway, it profoundly impacted him. At seventy-six, Jay remains as sharp as ever and has led a fulfilling life. Our conversation extends over thirty minutes, during which he shares numerous stories, admitting with a grin that, upon reflection, he wouldn't change a thing.

Jay and Mackson were paired last November as part of a class project to celebrate Veterans Day — and, more importantly, the men and women the holiday honors. Jay received a typical schoolhouse letter from Mackson paying respect and thanking Jay for his service. However, Jay's response was anything but typical. Upon reading it, he said, "I'd like to meet that little guy."

Growing up surrounded by veterans, Jay understands the positive influence of strong male role models. He was raised among several World War II veterans who epitomized service and sacrifice, considering them heroes. His father, along with his uncles, served during this time, setting a precedent of honor and duty in Jay's family. His brother chose the Navy, while Jay opted for the Air Force, continuing the tradition of service.

Eager to offer Mackson a glimpse into this world of honor and service, Jay reached out to Jefferson Elementary, eventually speaking with Mackson's mother, Ashley. She facilitated an in-person meeting between Jay and Mackson on Veterans Day.

Jay, an Ottawa native, served four years during the Vietnam War with the Strategic Air Command but never saw combat. His service took him to half a dozen countries before he exited the military as a Staff Sergeant, returning to Ottawa in the summer of 1971. Jay wears his Air Force service like a badge of honor, often donning his favorite Air Force baseball cap he got from the local American Legion Hall. Despite his pride, Jay harbors complex feelings about how his service is perceived. Reflecting on the evolution of the public's view on veterans, Jay acknowledges the shifting sentiment, particularly for those who served in Vietnam.

"In the fifties and sixties, veterans from World War II were heroes. But attitudes changed with Vietnam, and those of us who served then were not always treated kindly," Jay states matter-of-factly. He notes a gradual softening over the years, with the tragic events of 9/11 marking a significant shift in public sentiment towards veterans.

Jay's interaction with Mackson rekindles a sense of pride and continuity. "Meeting Max was a heartwarming experience. He was curious if I had flown or been a pilot. I explained that while I wasn't a pilot, I flew on many military aircraft," Jay shares with a chuckle. He gave Mackson one of his staff sergeant stripes, a symbol of their bond and his hope to witness Mackson's growth.

"This interaction with Mackson tugged at my heart. It reminded me of the heroes I grew up admiring and the importance of passing on those values of service and sacrifice. I'm looking forward to seeing the young man Max grows into," Jay reflects, a blend of nostalgia and optimism coloring his words.