Madison, Wis. — Today, the Institute for Reforming Government announced an expansion of its community outreach efforts with the addition of U.S. Army Veteran Jason Church. Serving as the Community Outreach Fellow, Jason will play a pivotal role in strengthening IRG’s ties to reform-minded, conservative activists across the state, connecting the policy to the people it serves.
In addition, Jason will lead the development of a reform policy agenda to improve the lives of Wisconsin’s veterans, especially as it pertains to their mental health.
“It is a privilege to join the IRG team and work on common problems affecting Wisconsinites. Veterans and mental health issues are personally important to me, as I have seen firsthand the negative consequences of poor policies,” said Jason Church. “For too long, we have taken these issues for granted. I look forward to building consensus in learning about the problems facing our state and their potential solutions. Together we can keep Wisconsin moving forward.”
“I am honored to announce the addition of distinguished veteran Jason Church to the team,” said CJ Szafir, president of IRG. “Between his military service, his passion for helping the veteran community and improving mental health, and growing the conservative grassroots movement, Jason will play a vital role in helping to advance our reforms across every corner of the state.”
Jason began his U.S. Army officer training at Fort Benning, Ga. in 2011. While stationed there, he graduated from the U.S. Army Ranger School, Army Airborne School, and Stryker Leader Course.
In May 2012, Second Lieutenant Church deployed with this unit to Afghanistan. On Aug. 23, 2012, Jason and nine other members of his platoon were involved in an IED explosion. The IED blast resulted in the amputation of both of Jason’s legs below the knee. He underwent 21 surgeries at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. On July 31, 2014, First Lieutenant Church received his promotion to Captain and medically retired from the U.S. Army.
Jason graduated from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse in 2011 with a degree in Political Science. He earned his Masters in Security Studies from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and his Juris Doctor from Wisconsin Law School. Jason currently serves on the board of directors for Sentinels of Freedom, a foundation to assist severely wounded post 9/11 veterans.
Jason currently lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his wife Bella.
To learn more about this exciting announcement, tune into WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi Show at 10:45am this Monday, February 14.
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