344th ARS Airman earns Faces of A/R recognition

  • Published
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – For Airmen to earn a Faces of A/R recognition, they must be nominated by members of their leadership, who choose individuals based on their demonstration of the Air Force's Core Values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

First Lt. Seth Jackson, 344th Air Refueling Squadron assistant chief of tactics, received the Faces of Air Refueling recognition Feb. 26.

Jackson provides tactical training to squadron members, develops unit standards and prepares aircrews for tactical employment. He also provides air refueling and airlift as a KC-135 R/T Stratotanker pilot for Joint Chiefs of Staff higher headquarters for taskings, including special operations air refueling, aeromedical evacuation and operational plans.

“Lt. Jackson is a highly-motivated officer who is willing to jump in and tackle any problem you throw at him,” said Lt. Col. Jerry Bennett, 344th Air Refueling Squadron commander. “He recently returned from a short-notice deployment, which he took on with a great attitude, and has not slowed down since.”

“In addition to KC-46 Pegasus training, Jackson maintains his KC-135 currencies and is always willing to jump on a flight or mission to help out the other squadrons in the operations group,” he continued. “His commitment to the Air Force core values is evident in all that he does.”

The Harrisonburg, Virginia, native joined the Air Force in May 2014 and arrived at McConnell in January 2017.

What are the best parts about the job?

The two best parts of my job are getting to live my lifelong dream of being an Air Force aviator as well as being part of one of the most critical mission sets in the Air Force. Knowing that tankers are a vital piece of the fight makes the long days worthwhile.

How do you feel you contribute to the mission?

The tanker piece of the mission is one that enhances the capabilities of all our fellow platforms. We allow them to take off with more munitions, cargo and drastically extend their time on station.

What are the keys to success in your Air Force career?

Work ethic, a desire to succeed, and most importantly, my wife, friends and squadron members who are supportive and put me in situations to succeed.

What is one goal that you have already accomplished, or would like to accomplish, during your Air Force career?

The first and most important goal I have achieved outside of commissioning in the Air Force, was graduating from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, and being assigned to McConnell.