Staff Sergeant Jason A. Chin honored as Thompson’s June 2026 Veteran of the Month

Staff Sergeant Jason A. Chin of North Grosvenordale was named Thompson’s Veteran of the Month for June 2026 at the Board of Selectmen meeting June 2.

The board’s nominating committee selected Chin as the town’s 23rd honoree since the program began in August 2024 and the first Army National Guard member to receive the monthly recognition. The town said the honoree’s profile will run on the town electronic sign, in the local weekly newspaper and on the town website.

A presenter read a detailed biography describing Chin’s difficult childhood, his enlistment in 2005, training at Fort Leonard Wood, service as a combat engineer and later reclassification as a motor transport operator and infantryman, and multiple overseas activations including two tours in Iraq and a deployment to Syria. The biographical remarks listed numerous awards and decorations given in recognition of his service, including the Meritorious Service Medal, multiple Army Commendation and Achievement medals, the Combat Action Badge and campaign medals. The presenter said Chin is designated a 100% disabled American veteran.

Chin’s recent medical history was also disclosed: an initial colon‑cancer diagnosis in April 2025 followed by surgery in May 2025, and a later diagnosis of stage‑4 intestinal cancer. Chin told the meeting he is undergoing alternating chemotherapy and injections as part of his treatment.

Accepting the plaque, Chin thanked the community, the town veteran service officer and his family. "The honor doesn't just belong to me, though. It belongs to the community that's embraced me," he said. He closed his remarks with: "The uniform may be hung up, but the warrior spirit never dies."

The board and the veteran service officer posed for photographs with Chin following the presentation.