[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 163 (Saturday, December 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING REAR ADMIRAL JOHN A. ``AJ'' JACKSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM H. PUTNAM

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, December 17, 2005

  Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, as we continue the fight against terrorism 
around the globe, we are constantly reminded of the sacrifice and 
service of our men and women in uniform. I rise today to honor a true 
American hero, a man who has dedicated his life to protecting our 
nation, Rear Admiral AJ Jackson from my hometown of Bartow, Florida.
  A 1970 graduate of Florida State University, Rear Admiral Jackson 
entered the Aviation Officer Candidate School in May 1970, and was 
designated a Naval Aviator in February 1972 at NAS Kingsville, Texas. 
His active duty assignments included NS Rota, Spain, Attack Squadron 
Eighty One (VA-81) aboard the USS Forrestal (CV-59), and the staff of 
Commander, Light Attack Wing One, NAS Cecil Field, Florida.
  Rear Admiral Jackson commanded Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Five 
Nine (VR-59), NR Carrier Group 0170, and NR Commander Seventh Fleet 
111, and was selected for Flag rank in June 1998. In October 1998, he 
assumed duties as Deputy/Vice Commander, Maritime Defense Zone, U.S. 
Atlantic Fleet. One year later, he was assigned as Commander, Rear Area 
Command, U.S. Seventh Fleet, and in this role he also assumed duties as 
Commander, U.S, Naval Shore Based Forces Korea, during exercise or 
contingency operations in Korea.
  In July 2001, Rear Admiral Jackson was assigned his present billet at 
U.S. Central Command as the Deputy Director (Reserve) for Plans and 
Policy (J5). From March 2002 until May 2004, he was assigned additional 
duties as Commander, Naval Reserve Readiness Command South. In this 
capacity he supervised the training and administration of over 10,000 
Naval Reservists in 29 Naval Reserve Centers in the states of Arkansas, 
Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and 
Texas. Rear Admiral Jackson was promoted to Rear Admiral (Upper Half) 
on October 12, 2001.
  His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious 
Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and other unit and campaign 
awards. In his civilian occupation, he is a Boeing 777 Captain with 
American Airlines based at DFW Airport, Texas.
  After 35 years of dedicated service, Rear Admiral Jackson will be 
retiring to spend some well-deserved ``R and R'' with his wife Jana. On 
behalf of the residents of Florida's 12th District, I want to commend 
Rear Admiral Jackson's service to his country and wish him the very 
best for the future.

                          ____________________