MILLINGTON, Tenn. – As Americans reflect on the service of military men and women this Veterans Day, some may not realize that they are fellow residents with those who serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Brooke Jackson, a resident of Camas, Washington supports and defends freedom around the world, as a Navy aviation machinist's mate who is responsible for maintaining operational support and being ready for deployment at any given moment.
Jackson is a 2012 Camas High School graduate and native of Camas, Washington.
Reservists seamlessly support and actively aid military missions while continuing to lead their own independent lives in the civilian world, according to Navy officials.
“The Navy Reserve is a 100K strong team of sailors embedded across the fabric of society, loyal and dedicated patriots, serving both in uniform and civilian jobs, ready to defend the homeland and deploy across the world in a moment’s notice,” said Vice Adm. Luke McCollum, Chief of Navy Reserve.
The Navy Reserve provides strategic depth to America’s Navy as it protects the American homeland and advances economic prosperity by preserving freedom of the seas.
In addition to serving in the Navy Reserves, Jackson has been a stay at home mom for almost four years.
“I balance civilian life with Navy service by doing the best I can to have an even amount of energy spent in both roles,” said Jackson.
As a Navy reservist, Jackson serves with Naval Operational Support Center Portland whose mission is to support the country with whatever is thrown their way.
Jackson is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy the Nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Jackson is most proud of being selected for Maintainer of the Week by an officer in the maintenance department.
“I was a key component in getting jets up and ready for officers to conduct their flight hours for their mission," said Jackson. "I was proud to receive this recognition because very few people earned that acknowledgement during my time in that command.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Jackson who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Jackson is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My grandfather was drafted into the Air Force, but neither my parents or anyone else in my family were prior service members," said Jackson. "Once I joined the Navy, my brother and sister followed suit, my youngest brother plans to do the same. In a sense, I have started a legacy that I hope my children will fall into as well.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Jackson and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means that I am a part of something bigger," added Jackson. "Something to be extremely proud of, the one percent. I have learned so much and have made unbreakable bonds with people who I consider to be family, brothers and sisters.”