October 2021 Veteran of the month
James John Hallihan Jr. was born in October 1937, in the small town of Torrington, CT. His Father was an insurance salesman for John Hancock, and the family moved to Ansonia, CT. in 1938 where John grew up and attended school, graduating in 1955. He attended prep school for a year, then enrolled at the University of Connecticut, a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, and he earned a Bachelors degree in Business Administration. Jim met Jaylyn Shinto, his wife of 60 years during his freshman year, and were married upon graduating from UCONN. Jim was also a distinguished military graduate of the ROTC program, and received his regular Army commission as a 2nd LT, entering active duty as an Infantry Officer in 1960. Their first assignment sent them to Augsburg, Germany, 24th Inf. Div., then transferring into the 24th Infantry Military Police until 1964. Then Jim entered the Military Police advanced course at Ft. Gordon, GA. Upon completion, He went to Michigan State where he finished his Masters in Police Science and Administration in 1966 as an Army Captain.
Jim then joined the 504th MP Battalion in Quin Nham, Viet Nam., serving as a Company Commander and Battalion Staff Officer until July of 67, when he returned stateside to Ft. Gordon, office of the Provost Marshal. Promoted to Major, he then served as Provost Marshal until 1970. At that time, Jim was sent to Seoul Korea as Deputy Provost Marshal of the 8th US Army Allied Forces. After 18 Months, Jim returned home to Ft. Gordon as Chief of Curriculum at the MP School there. Then in ’72 Jim went to the Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth. KS. where upon completion, he returned to Ft. Gordon as Chief of Resident Training at the MP school. The school was moving to Ft. McClellan, AL, and during the transition, Jim attended the National FBI academy in Quantico, VA. When he re-joined the School in Ft. McClellan, he served as the Director of Basic Law Enforcement Training. Now a Lt. Colonel, Jim was then assigned to Ft. Bragg as the Provost Marshal of the 82nd Airborne Div. From ’78-’79, Jim was selected as Battalion Commander of the 503rd MP, at Ft. Bragg, NC. From ’79-’83, Jim was Chief of the MP branch at MILPERCEN (Military Personnel Center), in Alexandria, VA., and also in 1981, attended the Industrial College of Armed Forces in DC. Jim was promoted during this time, and Colonel Hallihan served his final 3 years of military service, from ’84-’86, having been selected as Brigade Commander of the 89th MP Brigade in Ft. Hood, TX.
Colonel Hallihan Earned several military awards during his 26 years. These included the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf, a Bronze Star Medal. Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaves, the Army Commendation Medal, Parachute Badge and Expert Infantryman Badge.
Upon his retirement from the Army in 1986, Jim worked for the Mason Hanger Company as the Director of Security and Nuclear Material Control at the PANTEX facility. This was located in Amarillo, TX, at the Nuclear Weapons Assembly facility for the Dept. of Energy. Every nuclear weapon in our country’s arsenal came through this facility to be assembled or retired. Jim led a 400 plus security force, complete with armored vehicles, in safe guarding these weapons. He retired as Vice President of Mason Hanger company in 1999, and relocated with Jaye, to Tellico Village.
During his career, Jim and Jaye raised 4 Children. Daughter Sharon born in Augsburg, GE, son James III born in CT., son Scott born in MI., and Daughter Christie born in GA. Jim is a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He is also active in the Tellico Village VFW, and served 6 years as an officer in the Tellico Village Retired Military Club. Jims hobbies include woodworking, reading and playing golf.
AWE has donated a $25 gift certificate in tribute to Jim being selected Veteran of the Month in gratitude for his years of service.
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