A Mount Pleasant veteran is receiving statewide recognition for his continued service to his country and community.
The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation selected Jordan Norton as one of 10 people to receive its 2026 “Iowan of the Day” honor.
Norton was born in Washington, raised in Mount Pleasant and graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 2007. He enlisted in the Army at age 17 and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 and 2011.
An improvised explosive device left Norton without hearing in his right ear, but he continued serving until his military retirement in 2025.
Norton says his military career inspired him to continue serving after returning home.
“I do like the fact of just giving back to the community. It helps me to keep going and keep serving everyone around me and anywhere I can.”
Norton volunteers with EveryStep Hospice’s Veteran-to-Veteran program. He visits veterans receiving hospice care, offering companionship and a chance to share memories with someone who understands their military experience.
“I volunteer at Every Step Hospice and then I go there and I’m a veteran volunteer, so I go around and I meet all the other veterans on hospice. Typically it’s like companionship, so we sit around, we talk about the good old times, we talk about their service and what kind of crazy stories they can tell me. Just sitting there and getting their camaraderie back and feeling like their military service wasn’t forgotten.”
Norton has participated in 25 veteran pinning ceremonies and provided 80 hours of one-on-one companionship. Altogether, he has contributed 500 hours of service to EveryStep Hospice.
His service also extends to local children. Norton volunteers with the Mount Pleasant Youth Wrestling Club, helping young athletes learn new skills, warm up for tournaments and stay motivated. He has also coached soccer.
“with the youth program on the youth side of it, I volunteer with Mount Pleasant Youth Wrestling Club here in Mount Pleasant, headed by Coach Nick. and it’s a great program. So I volunteer probably my Mondays and Fridays and then when and probably every other every Sunday to go to resting tournaments for the kids and just help out, warm up, teach them new things and just be a motivator for them.”
Norton says he was completely blindsided when he learned EveryStep had nominated him for the award. To him, being named “Iowan of the Day” is about more than personal recognition.
“Just doing what’s right, showing integrity, respecting everyone around you regardless of age, always looking out for your neighbor and treating everyone with kindness.”
Norton and his family will receive a special day at the Iowa State Fair, including an appreciation ceremony, transportation around the fairgrounds and a concert provided by the Blue Ribbon Foundation.
Congratulations to Jordan Norton, who will represent Mount Pleasant, Southeast Iowa, fellow veterans and community volunteers as an Iowa State Fair “Iowan of the Day.”