Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) Sandra R. Jackson:
CMSgt Jackson is a native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas where she graduated with honors from Dollarway High School in May 1984. She received an Associate Degree in Information Management from the Community College of the Air Force in July 1995. CMSgt Jackson received a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from Park College. In October 2005, she received dual Master’s Degrees in Computer Information and Resource Management and in Human Resource Development from Webster University. In February 2013, CMSgt Jackson received another Associate Degree in Applied Science from the Community College of the Air Force.
Her military career began when she enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in May 1983 and served until June 1990. The following month, she enlisted in the 189th Airlift Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard. While in the Arkansas Air National Guard, she was assigned to the 189th Medical Squadron, 123rd Reconnaissance Technical Squadron, 189th Mission Support Squadron, 189th Mission Support Flight and the 189th Communications Flight.
In October 2008, CMSgt Jackson assumed the role of Chief Cyber Operations Manager and became the First African American Female to achieve this position. She was responsible for directing the planning, development, management, and enforcement of the 189th Airlift Wing’s local information technology (IT) and communications architecture. Additionally, her passion for health and fitness led her to serve as Team Captain for the Arkansas Air National Guard Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. She has deployed in support of Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.
CMSgt Jackson has completed numerous military courses to include the Noncommissioned Officer Preparatory Course in 1993 and the Noncommissioned Officer Academy in 2003. She has received numerous Army Reserve and Air National Guard decorations, awards, citations, and accolades, to include the Meritorious Service Medal with two devices and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
CMSgt Jackson enjoys sharing her personal knowledge, skills, and experience to help improve the lives of others by volunteering her services across the full spectrum of life in her community. She is an active member of the Greater New Travelers Rest Missionary Baptist Church and an influential member of the Order of Eastern Stars – Lodge #145 in Pine Bluff. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter (SP14). In addition, she presently serves as the Southeast Area Chair of Enlisted Support of Guard Reserve (ESGR) and regularly serves as a volunteer Assistant Director and Beginning Leader for Women Run Arkansas. Formerly, she also served as a volunteer Troop 1103 Unit Commander of Training for Boys Scout of America, Saracen District, Quapaw Area Council.
She retired on December 31, 2014, after thirty-three and a half years of outstanding military service. Chief Jackson and her husband, Isaiah, have four children and twelve adorable grandchildren, plus one added to the “Crue.” She loves to spend quality time with her family, often traveling domestically and abroad to fulfill all her grandchildren’s bucket lists.