SSG Jonathan Wells was born and raised in Leesburg, Virginia. Upon graduation from Heritage High School in June 2008, he attended Old Dominion University, then enlisted in October of 2009. He attended OSUT at Fort Knox, Kentucky attaining the 19D MOS Cavalry Scout.
SSG Wells’ first assignment was to Fort Hood, Texas to 1/9 CAV as a driver and dismount. SSG deployed to Mosul, Iraq in September 2010 for Operation New Dawn as a gunner on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, and Maxxpro MRAP. After returning from Iraq he was assigned as a dismount team leader. In 2015 he conducted a rotation to Camp Casey, Korea as a team leader in the combined arms battalion. Upon returning from Korea he was assigned as a squad leader and senior scout in the battalion scout platoon. SSG Wells was then assigned to 5/1 CAV in Fort Wainwright, Alaska as a squad leader, senior scout, and vehicle commander on a Stryker. SSG Wells was assigned to the Fort Bliss Non-Commissioned Officer Academy as a
course facilitator for the Basic Leadership Course. While stationed at Fort Irwin, California, SSG Wells was diagnosed with Stage IV-B/S Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and transferred to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for treatment.
SSG Wells’ military education and certificates consist of Advanced Leader’s Course, Basic Leader Course, Transportation of Hazardous Material, SHARP Foundations Victim Advocate Course, Commander and First Sergeant Course, Combat Life Saver Course, CBRN NCO Course, Black Hornet Operator’s Course, Fast Rope Infiltration System, and Common
Faculty Development Instructor Course. SSG Wells’ military awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC), The Army Achievement Medal (6 OLC), The Army Good Conduct Medal (5 knots), The National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (1 CS), The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, The Korean Defense Service Medal, The Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Medal with numeral 2, The Army Service Ribbon, The Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral 2, Expert Marksmanship Badge. In 2017 SSG Wells was knighted into The Order of St. George with the black medallion. SSG Wells graduated from American Military University with a Bachelor’s degree in
Criminal Justice. Graduating in June 2024 with Suma Cum Laude honors with a 3.98 GPA. He is currently applying in pursuit of his Master’s degree. SSG Wells has been married for 12 years and has two children. While pursuing his degree, SSG Wells co-founded The Broken Arrow Foundation after experiencing firsthand, the struggles that military and first responders face after being wounded or ill. While many organizations exist to help veterans and first responders, a major need was identified for immediate support. He helped establish The Broken Arrow Foundation as the organization that will be there at the point of impact with immediate support.