Page 35 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2025 - Online Magazine

marine reserves / air FOrCe reserves

playing with the symphony together at their church, The Springs
throughout high school and Fellowship.
college, building not only skill but
a deep love for music that would Today, George reflects on his life with
last a lifetime. deep gratitude—for his family legacy,
his military service, his survival, and
Over the years, George’s his faith. Through every chapter—from
dedication to music only grew. the battlefield to the concert hall, from
He eventually learned to play life-threatening illness to healing—he
an astonishing 18 instruments. has lived with courage and conviction.
Music became a way to give
back, inspire, and heal—not just “I’m grateful I was able to serve my
himself, but others. He performed country and keep my family tradition
for several years at the Ragtown alive,” George says.
Gospel Theater in Post, where he sang bass and played Indeed, his story is not just one of patriotic service—it
multiple instruments. He also collaborated frequently is a story of redemption, purpose, and the enduring
with fellow musician Greg Goodnight and was a power of music and faith. For senior veterans and
familiar presence at numerous local churches. Today, anyone who has faced adversity, George Jackson’s life
he continues to perform, playing cello with the Joy offers a powerful reminder: with determination, faith,
Club band at Church on the Rock. and a heart full of song, even the darkest moments can

But George’s story isn’t just one of service and music— lead to a future filled with light.
it’s also one of incredible resilience. In his 30s, while
courageously intervening to help a woman being
attacked on the streets of Lubbock, George was
brutally beaten by three young men. The injuries
were nearly fatal. While recovering from the attack,
he received another blow: a diagnosis of two types of
cancer.

Doctors at MD Anderson Cancer Center told him
there was little hope and sent him home to die.

But George’s journey wasn’t over.

He describes what followed as nothing short of
miraculous—a testament to faith, perseverance, VETERANS &
and divine intervention. Against all odds, George ACTIVE-DUTY
MILITARY
recovered. That season of suffering, he says, became a receive
turning point in his life.

In 2016, George found love and partnership in Jo
Ann Bradshaw. After a heartfelt courtship, the couple Benefits
married on September 15, 2016. Just two days after
returning from their honeymoon, they embarked
on a new journey together—beginning classes at
Life Christian University’s Lubbock campus. Both
George and Jo Ann earned their bachelor’s degrees
in Christian Counseling and now serve in ministry
*The value of this gift card may be considered taxable income and could be reported to the IRS, if
*The value of this gift card may be considered taxable income and could be reported to the IRS, if applicable. Please consult a
applicable. Please consult a tax advisor for guidance on any potential tax obligations. Veterans are defined
tax advisor for guidance on any potential tax obligations. Veterans are defined as persons who served in the military, naval, or air
as persons who served in the military, naval, or air service who were discharged or released under
service who were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable discharge. Each account insured up to
conditions other than dishonorable discharge. Each account insured up to $500,000. By members’ choice,
$500,000. By members’ choice, this institution is not federally insured.
this institution is not federally insured.
Lubbock Senior Link 35