Recognizing our Heroes. They don’t ask for it, but they deserve it. Honor Flight Austin has selected Jim Zukowski to participate on the upcoming Honor Flight in late October to visit the war memorials that were built in his honor in Washington DC.
Jim Zukowski embodies a selfless commitment to our country and our state. With unwavering dedication, he served in the Air Force during the intense days of the Vietnam conflict and continued to pour his heart into his work for the state of Texas, all while being a passionate member of TPEA.
Who is Jim Zukowski?
A native of Northwest Indiana and a graduate from Indiana University with his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees, Jim joined the Air Force at the height of the Vietnam conflict. During the war he served as an English Language Instructor teaching English to Vietnamese officers coming to the United States for pilot training. For his instructional excellence, he was awarded the Joint Services Commendation Medal. He continued his military service by developing curriculum and training materials for Air Force personnel going into Security and Law Enforcement Training and for Air University.
After leaving the military in 1973, Jim stayed in Texas working in education with the Texas Education Agency, the University of Texas, and East Texas State University (part of the Texas A & M system). He continued with the Texas Department of State Health Services eventually serving as a Bureau Chief for Occupational and Facility Licensing. While at East Texas State University, he completed his Doctorate in Education and was awarded the Ed.D. in 1978.
Jim has been a member of TPEA since the l980s when he was employed by the Texas Department of Health. Not just a member, he led as President on the Health Department Chapter Board! His dedication didn't stop there; he took on roles as State Treasurer and eventually became President of the State TPEA Board in the 1990s. Even after retiring from the Health Department, Jim stayed busy with various roles, including serving as President of the Retirees Chapter, formerly Chapter 149. Today, he’s still making a difference by staying active in TPEA and helping with EMPACT, TPEA’s Political Action Committee. Jim is always on the move, raising funds for EMPACT to ensure that TPEA can back legislators who care about both current and retired state employees.
Jim has always been proud of his military service and feels honored to have been chosen on the Honor Flight Austin for 2024.
Jim Zukowski, THANK YOU for your SERVICE to our Country and our State!