Regular Rotary Meeting

Jul 2, 2019 Tuesday, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Speaker: Jordon Houghton
Independence Day: A Retrospective from an OEF Veteran

Looking back at what the original meaning of Independence Day was (actually resolved on July 2!) throughout the years to modern day. How the shifting perspectives, lack of true observation, and different forms of patriotism or empty patriotism may damage national empathy.

Jordan served as a Combat Medic (68W) in the US Army from 2009 to 2013. During his time in the Army, he deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) 11-12. Jordan is a recipient of the Combat Medical Badge, Purple Heart, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

After leaving the Army in 2013, Jordan began attending the University of Washington (UW) where he served as the Student Veterans of America President for their chapter. He went to secure funding, and with his team, founded the Office of Student Veteran Life which works in conjunction with the administration of the University to serve veterans and dependents who attend UW.

In 2017, Jordan and two other members of The American Legion, Kira Guzman and Joey Hernandez, founded the William C. Stacey American Legion Post 206. The post earned its namesake after a United States Marine Corps (USMC) Sergeant who grew up in Seattle; his father and mother both are professors at UW and have been close supporters of veteran activities ever since Jordan began at UW.

As for Jordan, he currently serves as the Post Commander of William C. Stacey Post 206, the District Commander of the 1st District of Washington, and is finishing his third year of his Doctor of Psychology program at Northwest University where his dissertation looks at the therapeutic alliance regarding veteran-to-veteran based therapies.