Adapting to Duty: A Marine Veteran's Journey in the Corrections Field
Jonathan Ede, MSCJ, CJM
In the spirit of honoring veterans who continue to serve their communities, it is an honor to be able to shine a spotlight on one of Travis County’s finest, Correction’s Kitchen Supervisor Jimmy Aviles.
The Travis County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) has a proud history of hiring military veterans. Many of our staff, from new recruits to our chief deputy, have honorably served in the United States military, and many more still do. One of the greatest attributes these individuals developed during their service is humility. In the diverse roles at our office, you never know the sacrifices your colleague has made for our nation. They are humble, understanding their service is what makes this nation great.
One of the most influential positions in the military is that of a drill instructor. Every recruit, regardless of rank, owes their military career to a drill instructor’s guidance. TCSO is fortunate to have a member who held this esteemed position in the Marine Corps, shaping countless recruits into Marines.
Jimmy Aviles dedicated 26 years to the U.S. Marine Corps, embracing roles as diverse as Drill Instructor and Infantry Company First Sergeant. He served in four divisions and deployed worldwide on numerous occasions. In his current role as Correction Kitchen Supervisor, he brings his unique experiences and skills to the fast-paced environment of a unit responsible for preparing and serving over 7,500 inmate meals daily.
When asked about his most valuable lesson from the Marine Corps, he shares, “I learned to adapt to any situation, to lead with integrity, and to never leave a comrade behind.” These core values are just as relevant in corrections as they were in the Corps. Every day, he works to impart these values to his dedicated team.
Jimmy’s leadership experience in the Marine Corps has been invaluable to his success in corrections. The ability to make quick decisions, maintain composure under pressure, and motivate a team are all skills he honed in the military and now utilizes daily.
To those transitioning from military service into corrections, he advises, “Be open-minded and eager to learn from experienced corrections officers. Each day presents a new challenge, and the willingness to adapt and grow is crucial. Above all, always remember that security and safety are the top priorities.”
Beyond his professional life, family is paramount to Jimmy. He cherishes time with loved ones, whether golfing, traveling, or enjoying a quiet evening at home. He believes a strong family foundation is crucial, especially for those in demanding professions like corrections.
“My family is my rock,” he says. “They are my motivation, my support system, and my constant reminder of what’s truly important in life.”
Jimmy is also an active member of several veteran organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. Through these, he supports fellow veterans, participates in community events, and continues to give back to the country he served.
His story is a testament to the seamless transition from military service to a fulfilling career in corrections. It exemplifies the enduring spirit of service, the power of resilience, and the unwavering commitment to family and community. It is a story that inspires, motivates, and reminds us all of the extraordinary contributions that veterans make to our society.
Jimmy is one of many veterans who work at TCSO. Each one of them brings a unique story and exemplary qualities, adding value in support of our agency’s mission and vision.
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Jonathan Ede CJM, MSCJ is a Captain with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office in Austin, Texas, assigned to Health Services Security and Infrastructure. He has over 19 years of experience in the field of corrections and is a dually certified Master Jailer and Peace Officer for the State of Texas. For more information, he can be reached at (512) 854-7851 or via email at jonathan.ede@traviscountytx.gov
