Jas Booth
Founder
of
~ Final Salute Inc. ~
By Dr. Karla M. Kornegay MBA
Copa Style Magazine Lifestyle Columnist
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Mrs. Jaspen “Jas” Boothe was born in the second city, the city of Chicago. She is known by many as a selfless woman with a passion to serve and help those in need. Jas served proudly in the United States Army for 17 years, having been a single parent during most of that time, which was a major accomplishment by itself! Now, a Disabled Army Veteran, Jas is making her mark in the world. Having endured numerous health challenges, to include overcoming and surviving an aggressive form of cancer, Jas has made it her mission to advocate for disabled veterans and homeless women veterans and their children.
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City of Chicago
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Jas’ time in the military was nothing short of challenging, as she deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. It is understood that serving in the military, especially in Iraq, was very challenging. However, Jas did not let that stop her performance and dedication to the mission. Going above and beyond was nothing new to Jas, and service before self is what she continued to focus on. Jas’ entire military career was dedicated to working with and advocating for Soldiers and their family members.
New Orleans, Louisiana
In 2005, with her home station being in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jas’ life, and the life of her child, was abruptly interrupted by Hurricane Katrina. She unfortunately lost everything that she owned due to this devastating act of nature. Jas remained strong and continued to lead her platoon with excellence after her life was jilted by Hurricane Katrina. To add to this catastrophic event in her life, Jas was diagnosed with an aggressive form of head, neck, and throat cancer 30 days prior to her deployment to Iraq. This diagnosis prevented Jas from continuing with her deployment, thus further rocking her world.
In 2005, with her home station being in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jas’ life, and the life of her child, was abruptly interrupted by Hurricane Katrina. She unfortunately lost everything that she owned due to this devastating act of nature. Jas remained strong and continued to lead her platoon with excellence after her life was jilted by Hurricane Katrina. To add to this catastrophic event in her life, Jas was diagnosed with an aggressive form of head, neck, and throat cancer 30 days prior to her deployment to Iraq. This diagnosis prevented Jas from continuing with her deployment, thus further rocking her world.
Given the unfortunate events, Jas’ options in the military were extremely limited, and this posed some tough choices for her and her son. Given her illness, Jas was facing a military discharge. She required intricate full-time medical care, a viable source of income, and suitable housing for her and her child. When searching for assistance, Jas learned that there were no programs for female Veterans with children. The military communicated to her that the welfare system and the Department of Social Services was an option for her to utilize. However, Jas knew that said entities came with a lot of “red tape” and the processes were cumbersome. Time was of the essence for her and waiting for an extended period to obtain assistance was not an option. Facing such extreme challenges, Jas felt that she was being treated like every other single parent who had absolutely no ties to the United States Military.
Given the unfortunate events, Jas’ options in the military were extremely limited, and this posed some tough choices for her and her son. Given her illness, Jas was facing a military discharge. She required intricate full-time medical care, a viable source of income, and suitable housing for her and her child. When searching for assistance, Jas learned that there were no programs for female Veterans with children. The military communicated to her that the welfare system and the Department of Social Services was an option for her to utilize. However, Jas knew that said entities came with a lot of “red tape” and the processes were cumbersome. Time was of the essence for her and waiting for an extended period to obtain assistance was not an option. Facing such extreme challenges, Jas felt that she was being treated like every other single parent who had absolutely no ties to the United States Military.
Jas soon understood that the country had forgotten about the women who served, fought, bled, and died alongside their male counterparts. In an effort to protect and serve her country, Jas was more than disappointed when she learned of the lack of services available to assist the women who served their country. After extensive cancer treatments, including radiation therapy that would leave life-long side effects, Jas was able to remain in the military. She was able to seek employment and housing, and later relocated to Missouri with a relative.
Jas subsequently accepted a job offer with the Army National Guard, and was later placed on full-time duty in Washington, DC. Jas did not forget what she and her son endured, and she became determined to ensure that her fellow sister Veterans were able to obtain the resources that they required during their times of need.
Jas subsequently accepted a job offer with the Army National Guard, and was later placed on full-time duty in Washington, DC. Jas did not forget what she and her son endured, and she became determined to ensure that her fellow sister Veterans were able to obtain the resources that they required during their times of need.
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In her determination to ensure that no fellow sister Veteran was left behind, Jas founded Final Salute, Inc. in November 2010 as part of her commitment to "Never Leave a Fallen Comrade."
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Final Salute, Inc. has assisted over 7,000 women Veterans and children in over 30 States and Territories.
In conjunction with Final Salute, Inc., the Ms. Veteran America Competition was launched. The Ms. Veteran America competition highlights more than the strength, courage, and sacrifice of our nation’s military women, but also reminds us that these women are Mothers, Daughters, Sisters and Wives. Ms. Veteran America is a movement, encouraging women veterans to uplift each other and find their tribe.Proceeds from this event provides housing for homeless women Veterans and their children. Women Veterans are currently the fastest growing homeless population in America. Over half of homeless women veterans are single mothers.
In 2021, Jas became the Chief Spirituality Officer of her newly created skin-care line, AJNA. This venture allows Jas to encourage women to embrace and nourish their skin and their minds.
In conjunction with Final Salute, Inc., the Ms. Veteran America Competition was launched. The Ms. Veteran America competition highlights more than the strength, courage, and sacrifice of our nation’s military women, but also reminds us that these women are Mothers, Daughters, Sisters and Wives. Ms. Veteran America is a movement, encouraging women veterans to uplift each other and find their tribe.Proceeds from this event provides housing for homeless women Veterans and their children. Women Veterans are currently the fastest growing homeless population in America. Over half of homeless women veterans are single mothers.
In 2021, Jas became the Chief Spirituality Officer of her newly created skin-care line, AJNA. This venture allows Jas to encourage women to embrace and nourish their skin and their minds.
Jas also features in the 2017 documentary "Served Like a Girl" (http://servedlikeagirl.com/), produced by Lysa Heslov, which follows several American women wounded in action transitioning from soldier to civilian after serving their country in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Jas is a dynamic speaker who has received numerous awards over the years. She has also received the Oprah Winfrey Standing Ovation Recipient Award and she was honored as a CNN Hero. Jas has also been featured in People Magazine. Other awards that Jas received, not all inclusive, were the Hero Among Us Award, the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, and the U.S. Army Chief of Staff Outstanding Civilian Service Award. Her accomplishments are phenomenal, to say the least!
Jas is a dynamic speaker who has received numerous awards over the years. She has also received the Oprah Winfrey Standing Ovation Recipient Award and she was honored as a CNN Hero. Jas has also been featured in People Magazine. Other awards that Jas received, not all inclusive, were the Hero Among Us Award, the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, and the U.S. Army Chief of Staff Outstanding Civilian Service Award. Her accomplishments are phenomenal, to say the least!
Jase holds a BA in Mass Communications from Mississippi Valley State University and a dual MA in Human Resource Management and Management and Leadership from Webster University.
Boothe is the mother of two wonderful boys, Brandon (currently serving in the United States Air Force) and Jammel Jr. She is a wife to a Marine Combat Veteran, Jammel R. Boothe Sr.
Boothe is the mother of two wonderful boys, Brandon (currently serving in the United States Air Force) and Jammel Jr. She is a wife to a Marine Combat Veteran, Jammel R. Boothe Sr.
Story by: Dr. Karla M. Kornegay, MBA
Dr. Karla is a Disabled U.S. Air Force Veteran, the CEO of Kornegay & Assoc., LLC, a published author, a former model, a community and political activist and an avid volunteer in Charles County, Maryland.
Dr. Karla is a Disabled U.S. Air Force Veteran, the CEO of Kornegay & Assoc., LLC, a published author, a former model, a community and political activist and an avid volunteer in Charles County, Maryland.
