The LSU Alumni Association proudly honors Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Gary “Mike” Jones (1977 BACH H&SS) as the LSU Alumni 2025 Alumnus of the Year, recognizing his exceptional military leadership, unwavering Tiger spirit, and dedication to Louisiana State University. As a distinguished LSU graduate, Jones has left a lasting impact through his service and commitment both to the LSU community, and the world.
Celebrating Excellence: Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Gary “Mike” Jones Named LSU Alumnus of the Year
The LSU Alumni Association proudly honors Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Gary “Mike” Jones (1977 BACH H&SS) as the LSU Alumni Hall of Distinction Alumnus of the Year, recognizing his exceptional military leadership, unwavering Tiger spirit, and dedication to Louisiana State University. As a distinguished LSU graduate, Jones has left a lasting impact through his service and commitment both to the LSU community, and the world.
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2025 Alumnus of the Year Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Gary "Mike" Jones
Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Jones graduated from C.E. Byrd High School in 1973 and earned a football scholarship to LSU. While at LSU, he was a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society, lettered as an offensive lineman in 1975, and participated in LSU ROTC. As part of LSU ROTC, he was designated a Distinguished Military Graduate (DMG) and commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Branch. Jones received a bachelor's degree in Humanities & Social Sciences, Law, and Law Enforcement from LSU in 1977.
He also completed advanced studies at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, Conflict Resolution and Negotiations Program, and multiple military educational courses.
Even beyond his distinguished military service, Jones remains deeply connected to LSU. He credits LSU Football with instilling in him the values of discipline, accountability, and teamwork—all of which shaped his success.
"My baseline for success was learned at LSU. I owe my life to LSU! Specifically, the LSU Football system that enforced accountability and discipline into a winning team mindset.”
Jones lettered as an LSU Football offensive lineman in 1977.
Upon completion of training as a Counterintelligence Agent (CI), Jones attended Airborne School at Ft. Benning, Ga., and was assigned to the Third Infantry Division in Germany. There, he served as an agent, Infantry Platoon Leader, and Infantry Company Commander until 1981.
Special Forces Selection and LeadershipAfter returning from Germany, Jones attended the Special Forces Selection and Assessment Course, earned his Green Beret, and served in multiple leadership roles in Special Forces—from A Team Commander and Company Commander to Battalion Commander, Group Commander, and ultimately, Commander of Special Forces Command.
As a young Special Forces officer, he deployed a company to Panama after the invasion and remained to support the country's transition to stability. During this time, his company apprehended Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega’s personal pilot.
Later, as a Lieutenant Colonel and Battalion Commander, he deployed to Haiti as part of the invasion force, spending a year assisting in the stability operation.
As a Colonel, Jones commanded a Joint Combined Special Operations Task Force in Bosnia, tasked with maintaining peace. Under his leadership, his team captured more than 25 key individuals indicted for war crimes and delivered them to The Hague for tribunals.
Jones' Major Rank Gold Oak Leaf Pinning Ceremony
As Commander of the 3rd Special Forces Group Airborne, Col. Jones oversaw Special Operations throughout Africa for two years. He was then selected as Deputy Commander of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command—shortly before the attacks of 9/11.
Following the attacks, he was promoted to Brigadier General and assigned as Deputy Director for Clandestine Military Operations at the CIA’s Counter Terrorism Center. In this role, he synchronized Agency and Department of Defense efforts in Afghanistan. While deployed, he was also directed by the Army to serve as Assistant Division Commander for the 10th Mountain Division while continuing his CIA duties.
Upon completing his CIA assignment, Jones was selected as Commander of Special Operations Command Europe Airborne, a sub-unified command of the European Command. He provided Security Assistance Training to more than 25 African nations and led three non-combatant evacuations in conflict-stressed countries.
During the Iraq War, he successfully staged and deployed forces from Turkey into Northern Iraq for combat operations in support of Kurdish forces against Northern Iraqi divisions.
Jones’ final assignment was as Commander of the U.S. Army Special Forces Command, Airborne. He led a 9,700-man Green Beret force with worldwide responsibility for combating terrorism. His duties included manning, equipping, training, and deploying Special Forces on over 200 special operations missions across the globe.
During his command, he also oversaw the deployment and redeployment of eight Combined Joint Special Operations Task Forces in and out of Afghanistan and Iraq at the height of combat operations.
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Amid the chaos of war, Jones' humanity shines through as he consoles a child.
Jones retired in 2006 after 28 years of active duty and now serves as a Senior Military Consultant for Flyer Defense in Los Angeles. He lives in North Carolina with his wife, Helen. They have three children and five grandchildren.
Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Gary "Mike" Jones, and his wife, Helen.
As an LSU Hall of Distinction honoree, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Gary “Mike” Jones joins a prestigious group of LSU alumni who continue to inspire future generations. His leadership, dedication, and service are a testament to the excellence of LSU graduates.
Jones and other honorees will be recognized at the Hall of Distinction Gala on April 11, 2025 at 6 p.m. at the Lod Cook Alumni Center.
Join us in celebrating Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Gary “Mike” Jones and his remarkable journey. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!
Learn more about the LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction.
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