In a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs office, 18-year-old Jonathon Perkins sat across from a Vietnam veteran in a wheelchair, both his legs amputated. Perkins’ mother set up the meeting so that he could hear firsthand about the vet’s military experience.
Despite his injuries, the veteran dedicated his life to helping fellow veterans, continuing to serve others. Perkins was just beginning to consider military service.
Stories of Honor is a Fort Worth Report weekly series spotlighting 12 Tarrant County veterans who are serving beyond the uniform.
We also are highlighting nonprofits recommended by the veterans.
In November, the veterans will gather for a luncheon where the Report will honor their service at the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington.
“What if you end up like me?” the veteran asked.
“I’ll still be like you,” Perkins said. “Wanting to give back.”
That vow sparked a 24-year Army career and Perkins’ mission to make life better for veterans long after he took off the uniform.
Today, he works at American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program in south Fort Worth, helping veterans secure disability benefits, access services and navigate a complex system. His impact often goes far beyond the office and work hours.
“If I needed food, he got me food. If I needed clothes, he got me clothes,” Army veteran Brandon Dunn said. “He’s done more than almost anybody else I’ve encountered.”
After serving in Desert Storm with the 1st Armored Division, Perkins spent time in Germany, South Korea and Fort Campbell. He completed Air Assault School and transitioned into an engineering role. He ultimately served 24 years in uniform. He credits his leadership style focused on care and compassion to his upbringing.
“My parents always said to make sure others are all right,” Perkins said.
That ethos guided his post-military path.
Perkins began his Army career in 1988 as a petroleum supply specialist and participated in the 100-hour Desert Storm campaign in the early 90s. He took a small break before reenlisting in 1997, where he served as a heavy equipment operator and supervisor, earning his air assault wings with the 101st Airborne Division.
During his Operation Iraqi Freedom tour, he was a member of a hand-selected platoon for a mission to receive a section of the combat engineers bridge in Kuwait and deliver it to the Syrian border.
He also served as a hatch foreman and a noncommissioned officer in the Operations and Training section for the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command before he retired with the 551st Transportation Company in 2014.
After returning home, Perkins’ own transition from military to civilian life was rocky. He used a VA rehabilitation program to attend Tarrant County College and later Texas Wesleyan University. Involved with both schools’ student veteran organizations, he found his calling in helping veterans find connection and purpose.
He later joined Volunteers of America and Goodwill, working with homeless veterans before landing his current role.
Dunn first met Perkins while struggling with homelessness. He needed work boots and clothing for job interviews. Perkins not only found them but delivered them personally. Hours later, Dunn was shocked to see Perkins show up to his house with a mattress Dunn needed but couldn’t afford.
Jonathon Perkins in his office July 22, 2025, at the American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program in south Fort Worth. (Mary Abby Goss | Fort Worth Report)
“He goes to bat for us,” Dunn said.
Perkins often helps veterans increase their VA disability ratings by connecting them with resources and guiding them through the process. A disability rating is crucial to veterans because it directly affects their benefits, compensations and health care access.
Dunn recently rose from 30% to an 80% disability rating, a life-changing boost in monthly support.
Jonathon Perkins
Age: 55
Military service: U.S. Army
Occupation: Case manager with American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program and founder of Unchained 4 Veterans.
Education: Associate degree in business management from Tarrant County College and a master’s in business management from Texas Wesleyan University.
Family: Married to Bhing Perkins. They have two sons, Jonathon and Lomu.
Most important lesson learned in the military: “Leave it better than you found it and the brotherhood and family aspect.”
“It took months, but I got there because he kept helping me,” Dunn said.
Shirley Bravo, a fellow veteran, met Perkins in 2020 at Texas Wesleyan’s veteran club. She now serves alongside him at Unchained 4 Veterans, a nonprofit Perkins founded to foster connection through food and events. Bravo said Perkins cuts through red tape.
“He’s one of those people you can always count on,” Bravo said. “It doesn’t matter what challenges veterans carry, he finds a way.”
Even now, on weekends and holidays, Perkins grills and delivers meals to shelters.
Dunn now works at a local homeless shelter and is looking to buy a home. Whenever challenges arise, he knows where to turn.
“Anytime I need help, I reach out to Perkins because I know he’s going to get it done,” Dunn said.
Perkins has been impactful with his mentorship, influencing Bravo to volunteer, serve and is constantly planning on how to grow the nonprofit, she said.
“He’s a great guy,” Bravo said. “I’m always learning about new services that are out there for veterans. I wish there were more people like him.”
Perkins has stayed true to the promise he made at 18 to give back, no matter the cost.
The mission hasn’t changed.
It’s only grown.
Orlando Torres is a reporting fellow for the Fort Worth Report.
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