CRESTON — Jeni Hardin of Creston served in the United States Army from 1999-2001. Her service included being stationed in Germany and Kosovo. 

Hardin underwent basic training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina and advanced individual training at Fort Lee in Virginia. Overseas, she was stationed at Fliegerhorst Kaserne in Hanau, Germany and did a tour in Kosovo. 

“I wasn’t always the best student so once I graduated high school, I tried working and going to college but I needed something more,” Hardin said. “My family has a long history of military veterans and so I went in to talk to a recruiter and decided it was time for me to do something since I had no direction for my future.”

Hardin worked in the military as an automated logistics specialist, which involved tech supply for Blackhawk helicopters. When crew chiefs/mechanics needed parts for repairs on helicopters, they came to her. 

While stationed in Germany, Hardin met her husband, Jason, who was in the Army as a Blackhawk helicopter crew chief/door gunner. The Hardins grew up an hour from each other, but never met prior to being stationed in Germany. They married in Denmark. 

“He came to me when he needed parts for his aircraft,” Hardin said. “I must have done very well with that job because we ended up dating, married, and with kids all within a short time frame! Our oldest son was also born in Germany while we were stationed there.”

Other unique experiences from Hardin’s service include flying in a Blackhawk helicopter. 

“I also enjoyed training and being in the field,” Hardin said. “Shooting a gun was the highlight of my Army time. I had never fired a gun before this and so being handed an M16 rifle and being trained to shoot was something I will never forget. Throwing a grenade, going through the gas chamber, marching miles in combat boots with a heavy rucksack…there are so many things that I never would have done or experienced without being a soldier.”

Despite her family’s military service history, Hardin never thought she would be a soldier prior to serving. She’s found pride since in being a veteran and the wife of a veteran. It’s given her an appreciation for veterans that came before her and those currently serving, because she understands the choice to serve isn’t an easy one to make. 

Hardin was honorably discharged from the Army when she became pregnant with she and Jason’s first son. She became a stay at home mom while Jason finished his service. She now works as the executive director of Foundation for Focus House, where she raises money for the youth that receive services at the Rochelle program for at-risk juveniles. 

Hardin is active in veteran organizations and events in the area. 

“My dad is a member of Warrior Brotherhood which is a group of veterans who help other veterans in need,” Hardin said. “I was involved with the Sycamore VFW for many years helping out with fundraisers and taking part in ceremonies. I have put together many Veteran History Project filmings where I have gotten to listen to and record stories of fellow veterans (which then are archived at the Library of Congress), and I just recently made the decision to join the Rochelle VFW in hopes I can keep my connection to veterans active.”

Honoring Our American Hero is a series that will print twice a month in the News-Leader. If you know an American Hero you would like to have featured, contact Jeff Helfrich at jhelfrich@rochellenews-leader.com or call 815-561-2151.