Our Toya Renee Jackson was born September 10th, 1959, in Chicago, Illinois, through the union of Gilbert and Joyce Catherine (Gray) Jackson. She was the second of five children. She and her siblings were raised on the south side of Chicago after her parent’s separation. She was a part of a tight, close knit family, including aunts, uncles, and cousins, which only grew tighter, once her mother Joyce became ill. Toya, being one of the eldest children, and the oldest girl, would help her family by cooking, cleaning, working, and caring for her younger siblings.

She graduated from Englewood High School in 1977. Searching for a clearer and more directed path in life, she joined the United States Navy in 1982. Joining the military allowed her learn about computer processing systems and other IT related information. She was also able to travel to places, she never thought she would be able to go and it introduced her to different cities, different views on life, and people different backgrounds and cultures.


Sargeant Major Lawrence “Larry” Dean Hartzler 1934-2020

Sgt. Major Lawrence Dean Hartzler retired, died November 25, 2020, from congestive heart failure. He was born April 9, 1934 in Washington County, Iowa, the son of Herbert Leroy and Emma (Swartzendruber) Hartzler. Larry was raised on a farm outside Iowa City and attended a one-room school a mile from home.


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