Councilwoman Heather Hutt (CD 10) recognized the military service of Specialist Sergeant Theresa Lawson in honor of Veteran’s Day. The presentation was made on Nov. 8, during a meeting of the Los Angeles City Council.
Theresa Lawson was born in California and enlisted in the armed forces in August 1968. She was transported by plane from Los Angeles to Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama.
At McClellan she received basic combat training where she learned how to handle weapons, hand to hand combat, physical fitness, teamwork and marching. Upon successful completion of 10-week basic training, Theresa entered the second phase of training, Advanced Individual Training (AIT). She was assigned an MOS or military occupational specialty. Her specialty was clerk typist, attending classes and on the job training in her Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
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Also, she continued to receive advanced instructions in weapons, hand to hand combat and physical fitness. She excelled in all areas and was promoted from Private E-1 to Specialist 4. She received orders to report to her duty station at Fort Ord, California.
She arrived at Fort Ord, California in December 1968 and was assigned to the JAG Office (military law office). She worked as a secretary, prepared statistical reports, letters memos, and all related duties. After five months she was promoted to Special 5 and was responsible for the supervision of three lower level soldiers.
May 1970, applied for and attended the court reporting school at the Navy Installation, Newport, Rhode Island. Returned to her duty station at Fort Ord, California in July 1970 where she then worked as Legal Clerk/Court Reporter.
During her tour of duty, she received the Good Conduct Medal. United States Army Qualification Rifle Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
After 3-years of service received an Honorable Discharge, and decided to embark upon a new career in education. She attended California State University Dominguez Hills in Carson, California where she earned a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies and became an elementary school teacher. She taught for 32 years and retired in June 2018.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing and computer literacy.
