The Nashville Distillery is proud to recognize Jonathan “JB” Bates as this month’s Patriot of the Month in honor of his lifelong dedication to service, leadership, and the protection of others. A United States Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, mentor, and community leader, JB exemplifies the values of courage, sacrifice, and commitment that define the American spirit.
Growing up, JB idolized the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor tattoo earned by his grandfather, a World War II Marine affectionately known as “Big Daddy.” While sports and football scholarships shaped much of his early life, the admiration he held for his grandfather’s strength, discipline, and patriotism never left him.
After the events of September 11th, JB made the life-changing decision to leave college and follow in his grandfather’s footsteps by joining the United States Marine Corps. Serving as a Machine Gunner in the Infantry, JB deployed multiple times in active combat roles during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), serving in Al Anbar Province, Southern Iraq, and Afghanistan.
In 2006, while operating in Iraq, JB and his platoon survived a devastating suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attack. A tanker truck carrying more than 2,000 pounds of explosives was driven directly toward the building occupied by JB and his platoon. Although they engaged the vehicle before impact, the resulting explosion threw Marines from their feet, destroyed vehicles and communications, and engulfed the area in smoke and fuel. Despite sustaining injuries himself, JB refused medical treatment in order to help organize and evacuate wounded members of his platoon alongside his Lieutenant and Corpsman.
“My traumatic brain injury and hearing loss are constant reminders of what I survived that day,” JB reflects. “But I’m grateful we all survived. I’d rather live with those injuries for the rest of my life than lose a Marine under my charge in service.”
JB served honorably in the Marine Corps for eight and a half years before transitioning into overseas contracting work. He later joined an international security company where he built and led a large-scale training program that successfully trained more than 5,000 personnel for worldwide protective services assignments supporting the Department of State. While the work allowed him to maintain the discipline, structure, and brotherhood he valued from military life, it also kept him overseas and away from home for years.
Eventually, the call to return home and invest in his community led him back to Tennessee, where he founded Fidelis Academy & Protection Services (Fidelis APS). As Owner and President, JB has built a veteran-led security company dedicated to providing customized protection solutions across Nashville, Texas, and Florida. Comprised of veterans, former law enforcement officers, and experienced professionals, Fidelis APS delivers military-grade standards of accountability, training, and brotherhood while creating meaningful opportunities for fellow veterans.
“I could never work a traditional 9-to-5,” JB says. “Once you’ve seen what I’ve seen and been where I’ve been, what you do next has to be challenging and purpose-driven. I’ve always been someone who takes care of people, and if I’m going to spend my time working, it has to accomplish that too.”
Today, JB’s service extends far beyond his business. He remains deeply committed to his family, friends, team, and community. For years, he has volunteered as a youth travel baseball coach, mentoring young athletes and helping instill the values of discipline, accountability, teamwork, and perseverance both on and off the field.
His leadership philosophy continues to be guided by the principles forged through military service: discipline, accountability, teamwork, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to those around him.
“While life is hectic, busy, and sometimes crazy, I stay focused on my mission—taking care of my family, friends, team, and clients,” JB says. “The Fidelis Standard is built from everything I learned in the Marine Corps, and that’s what continues to drive me forward every day.”
For his extraordinary service to our nation, his continued commitment to protecting others, and his dedication to strengthening his community, The Nashville Distillery is honored to recognize Jonathan “JB” Bates as our Patriot of the Month.
Thank you, JB, for your sacrifice, your leadership, and your enduring commitment to serving others. We salute you.
