Kattsafe Veteran Spotlight: Jason Fleming
As part of our Honoring Those campaign, we’re recognizing veterans within the Kattsafe team.
Today, we’re proud to spotlight Jason Fleming, who is not only an Air Force veteran, but is also still currently serving for the Indiana Army National Guard. Jason shares his insight into his military journey, reflections on service, and thoughts on what it means to give back through campaigns like this.
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Introduction
Name: Jason Fleming
Previous Branch of Service: United States Air Force (USAF)
Role: Aircraft Maintenance Officer
Served 10 years
Current Branch of Service: Indiana Army National Guard
Role: Logistics Officer (Battalion Executive Officer, INARNG)
Still serving after 5 years
Stationed: Beale AFB, CA | Seymour Johnson AFB, NC | Okinawa, Japan | Davis-Monthan, AFB, AZ | Indiana
Current Role at Kattsafe: Operations Manager
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Q: Can you further explain what your current role is in the Indiana Army National Guard?
"I'm a Logistics Officer, currently serving as the Battalion Executive Officer for a Motor Transportation Battalion. We're responsible for hauling and distributing bulk fuel to other units.
I serve one weekend a month and attend annual training for two weeks in the summer—sometimes more if there's a natural disaster or if our unit is called to deploy overseas."
Q: What is one moment from your service that stands out to you?
"9/11 stands out the most for me. I was on active duty at the time, and we were tasked with supporting and flying combat air patrol missions over Washington, D.C. It was the first time I had ever loaded “live” munitions on a fighter aircraft. Everything became very real in that moment."
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Q: What inspired you to join the military?
"I had a strong pull at an early age to serve my country in some way. I almost enlisted right out of high school, but my parents asked me to try college for at least one semester. I went off to college but still had the feeling that I wanted to join the military. At the same time, I also wanted to be the first person in my family to graduate from college.
I did some research and learned about ROTC. I ended up going to boot camp between my sophomore and junior year, and then was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation."
Q: How has your military experience shaped who you are or how you approach your work now?
"Living by a set of core values. Most people go through life never really knowing what they stand for, what they believe in, or having a set of core values to guide their life choices."
Q: What's one thing you wish more people understood about veterans?
"A lot of veterans have a hard time transitioning to the civilian workforce. They've lived a certain way—direct, straightforward, no beating around the bush. Just say what you want or need, and then get out of their way. They'll get it done!"
Q: What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?
"It reminds me that we stand on the shoulders of giants. So many great veterans came before us, and it's because of them that we get to enjoy the freedoms we have today."
Q: What did you learn from your time in the service that still sticks with you today?
"Never ask someone to do something that you are not willing to do yourself."
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Q: What's a fun or memorable story from your time in the service?
"Scuba diving with whale sharks off the coast of Okinawa, Japan"
Q: What's one piece of military training or habit you still can't shake?
"I still fold my clothes the same way I did in boot camp - and I eat fast."
Q: What's something only your fellow service members would understand?
"Standing for the national anthem before the movie starts at the theater on base."
Q: What kind of support do you think makes the biggest difference for veterans transitioning back to civilian life?
"A leadership position at a civilian company is a lot different than leading in the military. It takes time for veterans to adapt to those changes and learn how to manage a civilian workforce versus a military environment."
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Q: What do you want people to understand about supporting veteran-focused organizations?
"People may not always see the outcome of their support, but veterans are incredibly appreciative.
Whether it’s helping with finances, medical bills, or employment, that support makes a real difference in their lives."
Service photos
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Join Us in Honoring Those Who Served
Every GR37 Guardrail order helps support the Wounded Warrior Project® through our Honoring Those campaign. Visit the campaign page to learn more and see how you can be part of giving back.
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