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Col. Jackson hangs up his blues

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. Armstrong
  • Tinker Air Force Base Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE --  It has been said, parting is such sweet sorrow.
   At a retirement ceremony July 11 for Col. Dean Jackson, the 72nd Mission Support Group's former commander, saying goodbye proved to be heartfelt and poignant. Some 200 Airmen and civilians attended the event at the Tinker Club ballroom.
   "Col. Dean Jackson lived and exemplified integrity, service before self and excellence," said Col. Mark Correll, 72nd Air Base Wing and installation commander and presiding officer over the retirement ceremony. "To me, he's been a friend, a sounding board and a dedicated professional.
   "Dean Jackson has served as a mentor to many, a leader to all and a patriot for his country," Col. Correll said. "Today we celebrate not just a career and its impacts, but a great American who answered his nation's call and has earned the right to transition to the next phase of his life with the satisfaction of having the job done right."
   After orders from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley signifying Col. Jackson's retirement and a certification of appreciation from President George W. Bush were read, Jeanne Jackson, Col. Jackson's wife, pinned on his official retirement pin.
Mrs. Jackson also received a certificate of appreciation from Gen. Moseley, for her support to Col. Jackson through his military career.
   Before Col. Jackson spoke to the audience, Lt. Col. Jonathan Leathers, 72nd MSG deputy commander and Chief Master Sgt. Roddy Hartsook, 72nd MSG superintendent, presented the retiring colonel with a shadowbox on behalf of the 72nd MSG personnel.
   The top of the large rectangular wood box has a cutout of the colonel insignia. Inside, is an American flag that had flown at the United States Embassy in Baghdad on Flag Day, June 14, and during several aerial combat-support missions across the area of responsibility in Iraq.
   Following the shadowbox presentation; Col. Jackson stood for one more presentation - a flag folding ceremony.
   "For over 35 years, I've been blessed to wear the uniform and be called an Airman," Col. Jackson said. "I've been blessed to serve in great assignments around the world culminating in the opportunity to lead the remarkable professionals and patriots of the 72nd Mission Support Group.
   "I've been blessed to serve in the armed forces of the greatest nation on this earth; a nation that's still a beacon of hope and freedom to billions of people around the world."
   After his minute-long standing ovation, Col. Jackson thanked his wife for her support. He presented her with a colorful bouquet of roses and assorted flowers in full bloom, before they left the ballroom together.