
Mr. Jackson was born in 1944 in Opp, Alabama. He was raised in Opp as the youngest of five children. Mr. Jackson came of age during the civil rights movement. He was an academically gifted student and outstanding athlete who was inducted into his high school's Hall of Fame in 2013.
Mr. Jackson graduated, then joined the US Army. He served in Colorado and Korea from 1963 through 1966 during the Vietnam War era. In 1968, he and his wife Miriam moved to Connecticut where they raised their three daughters.
Mr. Jackson was humble. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was also a loyal friend. He spent his life serving the needs of his community. Especially, his fellow veterans. He passionately advocated for their rights and affairs.
Mr. Jackson was the proud Commander of the VFW, Post 9422, West Haven, CT for more than 20 years and was a member for more than 30 years. He served several terms as the Commander of the Hughson-Miller Post #71 of the American Legion in West Haven and as an Officer of Elks Lodge #25, where he was awarded ELK of the year.
In 2018 Mr. Jackson led the West Haven Memorial Day parade as the first ever African American Grand Marshall. In 2020, he was named African American citizen of the year in West Haven for his "courageous spirit and inspiring good works." In November of 2021 Mr. Jackson passed away.
The Freddy L. Jackson Citizenship Award was established to honor him and to carry on his legacy of service to others.