I graduated in 1977 from Manual Art’s high school in Los Angeles, where I participated in the JROTC for 3 years. After High School I enlisted in the Army and did my basic training in North Carolina. I had AIT School training for forklift opertors and also worked as a material supplies specialist. At that time, I couldn’t make up my what I really wanted to do so I ended up becoming a cook on base.
When I came out the service I went on to work at several different places: I worked at EDD unemployment office, from there to Proctor& Gamble for 8 years, then on to Phillips 76 oil refinery, where I worked until my injury Jan 5,1990. I was a victim of a senseless robbery where as a result of a a bullet striking my spinal cord I had quadriplegia and needed a wheel chair. At that point I went to the newly opened VA hospital in Long Beach.
While in the VA hospital I went through physical, emotional, psychological therapy. The VA hospital was and still is a great help to me. After all I’d been through, I was eager to get back to my making life as normal as I could, staying positive and keeping faith. I also wanted to be there for others who need help, I never had a problem helping or being there for others where I could.
I have attended the wheel chair games for over 10 years now, and still going strong. The events I compete in include weight lifting, bowling, airgun target shooting, wheelchair motor rally. After everything I’ve been through in my life, I’m truly content and happy. The secret to my success is God for one and standing active.
Yours truly
Lamont Jacobs.
Email him at lamont@pvacc.org.