ABOUT US | Hometown Heroes Foun

ABOUT HOMETOWN HEROES FOUNDATION

Hometown Heroes Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and recognizing the courageous individuals who have served as military service members or first responders in our community. Our mission is to preserve their legacy through various memorial initiatives, educational outreach, and community engagement. We are committed to making a difference by raising awareness and supporting the heroes who have selflessly served our country and communities.

Join us in our efforts to make a meaningful impact. Stay updated on our upcoming events, initiatives, and ways to support our cause. Your feedback and support drive our mission, and we are grateful for your commitment to our shared vision of honoring hometown heroes. Check out our blog for inspiring stories and useful tips on how you can get involved in our cause.

Meet Our Team

Dedicated individuals leading the way to make a difference in our community.

Jackson Yates

President

Mr. Yates is a graduate of Marshall County High School, class of 2017. During his middle and high school years, he served in the Civil Air Patrol, where he developed an early foundation in leadership, aviation, and public service. He went on to attend the University of Kentucky as a cadet in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, earning his commission in 2021. Following graduation, Mr. Yates serves on active duty as a Nuclear and Missile Operations Officer in Louisiana. In addition to his military service, he dedicated his time to public safety by serving as a volunteer Firefighter-EMT while stationed in Wyoming. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Emergency Management and Disaster Relief from the American Military University.

Kirklyn Yates

Vice President of Outreach

Mrs. Yates is a graduate of Christian Fellowship Schools, class of 2019, and earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Wyoming in 2023. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Liberty University in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action, with a focus on advocacy, community development, and ethical humanitarian engagement. Mrs. Yates is actively involved in nonprofit and international service work through her partnership with Imani Milele Children in Uganda, where she supports initiatives centered on child welfare, education, and sustainable community support. Her work reflects a commitment to service-driven leadership and the advancement of human dignity in underserved communities.

Jennifer McClard

Vice President of Sustainability

Jennifer is a devoted wife, mother, and proud grandmother with a lifelong passion for education and service. A 1989 graduate of Marshall County High School, she went on to earn her Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Murray State University, with an emphasis in Teacher Leadership. She recently retired from Sharpe Elementary School, which she proudly called home for 25 years. During her tenure, she made a lasting impact on students and the community by leading meaningful Veterans Day projects that connected local veterans with her classroom and by organizing multiple fifth-grade educational trips to Washington, D.C. Beyond the classroom, she continues to invest in the next generation as a small group leader in the children’s program at her church.