The local Rotary Club recently welcomed Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Jared Ledbetter, an educator at Warren High School, as the guest speaker at their weekly meeting. A proud Tyler County native, Ledbetter shared his inspiring journey from a small-town upbringing to an esteemed career as a Marine aviator and now an educator, emphasizing the impact of service, education, and commitment to one's community.
A Legacy of Service
Jared Ledbetter, a 1997 graduate of Colmesneil High School, grew up in a family deeply rooted in both faith and education—his father served as the pastor at First Baptist Church of Colmesneil, while his mother was an elementary school teacher. With a strong family tradition of military service, he followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, who served as a Navy aircraft mechanic in World War II, and his father, who enlisted as a Navy Hospital Corpsman in 1967.
Determined to fund his own college education, Ledbetter earned an ROTC scholarship and attended Texas A&M University, where he graduated in 2001 with a degree in Finance. However, an initial knee injury delayed his military commission, leading him to spend two years working in corporate finance before securing a spot at the United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School (OCS) in 2003. By December of that year, he was commissioned as a Marine officer.
Distinguished Military Career
Throughout his 20-year career, Ledbetter amassed over 3,200 flight hours across six different aircraft types. His journey took him to training in Pensacola, Florida, and later to Camp Pendleton, California, where he flew the CH-46E. Between 2007 and 2009, he completed two combat deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Transitioning to the MV-22B Osprey in 2013, he flew combat missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve during his deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
In addition to operational deployments, Ledbetter served as an instructor at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) and later at the Marine Corps' Expeditionary Warfare School, where he was recognized as the most outstanding instructor. His final assignment before retirement in November 2023 was with Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), where he flew missions in support of the President of the United States, including deployments to the UK and Germany.
Among his many personal decorations, Ledbetter was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, Air Medal Strike/Flight with Numeral 7, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal Gold Star in lieu of 4th award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Presidential Service Badge.
Reflections on Service and Patriotism
Speaking before the Rotary Club, Ledbetter reflected on the opportunities afforded to him through military service, sharing stories of his deployments and travels that spanned from Iraq and Yemen to Hungary and the UK. He emphasized the significance of the oath taken by service members, highlighting that they pledge not to a person or a government, but to the U.S. Constitution and the ideals it represents—justice, liberty, and the pursuit of a more perfect union.
Ledbetter also underscored the importance of honoring those who choose to serve, noting that active-duty personnel make up less than half a percent of the U.S. population. He quoted General Victor Krulak, who once said that the military thrives because the American people believe in its readiness, excellence in battle, and ability to shape responsible citizens.
Coming Full Circle
Now retired and back in Tyler County, Ledbetter considers it a privilege to share his experiences with the next generation. “If you are really lucky, you can serve, see the world, and on the back side, move back home where it all started,” he said. As an educator at Warren High School, he hopes to inspire students to embrace opportunities beyond their immediate surroundings while staying true to the values instilled in them by their community.
In closing, Ledbetter expressed his gratitude for the freedoms safeguarded by the nation’s service members and encouraged support for those who continue to answer the call to serve. “God bless America and God bless those who defend the way of life that we all love,” he concluded.
The Rotary Club
Mr. Ledbetter and WISD Superintendent Rusty Minyard
Mr. Ledbetter speaking at the Rotary Club
Information to compose this article was derived from Mr. Ledbetter's speech at the Rotary Club and Mr. Ledbetter's official military biography.
