Edward W. Hood
Airman | Husband | Father | Entreprenuer
Childhood
Raised in FL
From childhood, he was destined to serve his country.
HIGHSCHOOL
Service as an Air Force JROTC cadet
As a distinguished member of Unit FL-933, he contributed significantly to the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AFJROTC) program. His notable roles included serving as a member of the Color Guard and assuming the position of Model Rocketry Team Commander.Throughout his tenure in AFJROTC, he actively participated in various key events, leaving a lasting impact on both his unit and the community. Notably, he played a pivotal role in presenting the colors during a momentous occasion—the dedication of a Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker in Madison, FL on April 8th 2000.
Edward failed the 9th grade twice. After his second failure, his Algebra teacher told him that if he didn't graduate high school, he wouldn't go far in life. Taking it as a challenge, Edward dropped out. He asked his mother for permission to join the Job Corps. In 2001, at the age of 16, he hugged his family, said goodbye, and left Florida on a Greyhound bus headed for Brunswick, Georgia.
2001-2003
Job Corps
He completed his GED on September 26, 2001, and graduated from Coastal Georgia Community College with two certifications in December 2003. He also completed two vocational programs while enrolled in the Job Corps: one program in landscaping and one program in forestry.
One of the most influential men in Edward's life was Jay Alkire, his Job Corps landscaping instructor and a US Navy Veteran. ⚓
2004 - US Air Force
Basic Military Training
While completing Basic Military Training (BMT) at Lackland Air Force Base, his integrity was noted by his Military Training Instructor, and he was chosen to serve as the Flight Office Technician.
2004-2005 US Air Force
Technical School
Serving as S-Shift leader for the 338th "Dark Knights" Training Squadron. *Retirement ceremony video above
2006- section pending completion
2007- section pending completion
2008- section pending completion
2009- section pending completion
2010- section pending completion
2011- section pending completion
2012
Under the chuppah
He married Janelle Elizabeth Sundin at Pebble Hill Plantation on May 15th 2012
2012-2013
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Shortly after getting married, he struggled to provide for his new family. Janelle prayed that he would receive a military contract. Within 60 days, Edward received a 1 year contract to support Joint Task Force Guantanamo.
2013 cont.
Fork in the road
After leaving Active Duty, he missed the comradery of the military. This led to joining the Iron Order Motorcycle Club. A decision which would ultimately lead to the destruction of his new family.
2014- section pending completion
2015- section pending completion
2016- section pending completion
July 3rd 2017
Homeless Veteran
While serving in the Air National Guard, Edward's life situation takes a turn for the worse and he ended up on the street. Read more on LegionTown.org
2018- section pending completion
2019- section pending completion
2020- section pending completion
2021- section pending completion
2021- section pending completion
September 2023
Commanders Coalition Newsletter
Inspired by the work of Veteran's who came before him, Edward launches the Commanders Coalition Newsletter which covers Veteran news and events in Florida's Big Bend.
December 2023
Appointed Adjutant
American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13 Commander Barry Walker appoints Edward to be the Post Adjutant.
February 2024
Veteran Champion
Appearing before the Florida House Civil Justice Subcommittee, he provided personal testimony which helped defeat harmful asbestos legislation affecting many Veterans in the state of Florida. (Testimony begins at 02:46:30)
Serving at Post 13
November 2024
Edward sharing his testimony on how the American Legion helped him through a difficult time in his life
December 2024
Wreaths Across America
Edward explaining the importance of the Wreaths Across America organization and how it seeks to inspire younger Americans to serve their country.
© 2024 Edward W. Hood | All Rights Reserved