President Trump shares stage with Connellsville veteran
When President Donald Trump makes an appearance, he’s used to having all eyes and ears on him.
However, when Trump recently spoke at the Veteran of Foreign Wars National Convention in Kansas City, the commander-in-chief willingly shared the stage with World War II veteran — and Connellsville area native — Allen Q. Jones.
The 94-year-old was anticipating a mention in the president’s speech as a representative of World War II veterans, but he was certainly not expecting to be pulled to the podium by Trump.
“I was elated,” explained Jones back at his Dunbar Township home Friday.
And Jones, who has been a member of the VFW for more than seven decades, said he was happy to be up there for all of the World War II veterans who couldn’t be.
He decided to take advantage of the opportunity and asked Trump if he could say a few words. The president agreed, and Jones told the crowd what it meant to him.
“This is one of the highlights for this 94-year-old man,” he said.
He also said he hoped his children were watching so they could see him standing next to the president of the United States.
Not only did his children see him, but Jones became a social media and internet sensation as people from all over the region posted and tweeted Jones’ moment with the president and stated how proud they were of Connellsville’s son and his moment in the spotlight.
Connellsville Mayor Greg Lincoln was one of many who shared Jones’ appearance on Facebook and he wrote, “Congratulations Mr. Jones and thank you for your continued service to our country and community.”
Jones is a former middle school science and geography teacher with the Connellsville Joint School District who has been retired for 35 years. Several of his former students commented on social media of their memories of Jones and how proud they were to see their former teacher up on the stage with Trump.
While at the convention, Jones didn’t know if he would get the opportunity to meet the president, but he came prepared.
“I had his picture with me that I took at a convention when he was running for office. I was just hoping to get it signed,” he said.
Jones got that autograph and a whole lot more.
While up on stage, Jones asked the president for a favor. He told Trump that he was going to be 95 on April 11, and he was hoping to get to see the Oval Office. He asked the president, “Hopefully, you will allow me to bring my family to the Oval Office.”
Jones said Trump told him “that will happen.”
Jones was given a business card from a member of the White House staff, who has already called to make arrangements with Jones to visit.
His celebrity experience continued the next day when Jones was interviewed on Fox News about the moment and what it means to be a veteran.
“I told him that I love my country. My dad was a World War I veteran and he taught us at an early age what patriotism was.”
The Jones’ family is the epitome of a military family. Jones’ father, Gordon Jones Sr., served in the Army in World War I. Jones and his four brothers served in World War II in various branches of the service.
So, what does patriotism mean to Jones?
“It’s being loyal to the country and to the flag and remembering those who paid the supreme sacrifice.”
Jones said Trump was very personable and very understanding. He said he really appreciates the president’s passion for veterans, which is something they both share.
Jones is a lifetime member of the VFW Post 21 in Connellsville and served in many local, state and federal offices in the organization, including as former state commander.
Jones also has marched in every Veteran’s Day Parade since World War II, and this year will make his 73rd consecutive Veteran’s Day parade.
Jones’ wife, Nancy has also been a very active member of the VFW’s ladies auxiliary serving as former state president.
Former VFW Commander in Chief John A. Biedrzycki, a Vietnam veteran, said the honors are merited.
“His wife Nancy and (Allen) certainly deserve all the accolades,” said Biedrzycki.
Another person who couldn’t be more pleased was Jones’ brother, Blair, 91, of Uniontown, a veteran himself.
“I am very proud of my brother. He deserves every bit of this,” said Jones. “Allen and his wife have spent their whole life in the VFW. I am so proud.”