Gary Jacobsen was born Grant Gary Jacobsen in 1940 in Chicago, Illinois
Background
Gary Jacobsen graduated from the University of Illinois, 1963, with B.S. in Communications. After graduation, he went on to become a reserve officer (on active duty) in the U. S. Marine Corps and served in South Vietnam from March, 1967, through April, 1968. Initially based at the Dong Ha Combat Base in Quang Tri Province, Jacobsen commanded a medium tank company in operations at Con Thien, Gio Linh and other combat bases. Later, he served as the 3rd Marine Division G-3 (operations) liaison officer to non-Marine forces in Quang Tri Province. He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal with a Combat "V" for valor.
Later service
In 1970, Jacobsen transferred from the reserve component to the regular component. Four years later, while serving in the grade of major, he completed requirements for an MBA at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Through his later service in other assignments, he was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. From 1983 through 1985, he represented the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (J-6) on the Operation Pegasus plan, chaired by then-Vice President George H. W. Bush. In September, 1985, while serving in the grade of colonel, Jacobsen retired from active service and became the president and CEO of Pentagon Express, Inc., a major transportation company in northern Virginia.
Service to colleges
In 1997 he retired from corporate service and began teaching at the Northern Virginia Community College, where he established and funded Goodwill scholarships for deserving international students. He also was a guest lecturer in business administration at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. For one semester he taught classes at the Los Angeles City College, whose notable graduates include James Coburn, Clint Eastwood, Gene Roddenberry and Morgan Freeman. While teaching, he authored two books that have limited distribution in Prince William County: Spokesman for the People and Grammar for Everyone. He also began writing weekly columns for the Potomac News and the Manassas Journal-Messenger, both Media General newspapers of general circulation in Prince William County, Virginia. He is an outspoken advocate for women's reproductive rights, nondiscrimination against gays, gun control and rights of immigrants. He resigned his columnist position in October, 2008, to pursue other interests.
Gary Jacobsen is best known for his opposition to the extreme politics advocated by the far right.
Affiliation with Chi Psi
Gary Jacobsen still actively supports Alpha Zeta Delta of Chi Psi. He resides in Woodbridge, Virginia.