Taking care of people is important to Michael Jackson. During the day, he's an administrative assistant, taking care of employees at the Corps of Engineers, Huntsville Center Engineering Directorate's Structural Branch. However, in his spare time he does something that is near and dear to his heart.
The 15-year disabled Army veteran serves as a board member for the Redstone-Huntsville Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army.
AUSA is a private, nonprofit organization that acts primarily as an advocacy group for the Army. Founded in 1950, it has 125 chapters worldwide. Membership is open to everyone, not just Army personnel, nor is membership mandatory for Soldiers.
Jackson took his oath alongside 19 other newly appointed board members June 14 during the chapter's celebration of the 239th Army birthday at the Von Braun Center.
"I like to compare taking care of my Corps teammates to taking care of my Soldiers when I wore the uniform," he said. "Soldiers are near and dear to my heart. They possess a lifelong commitment to our values. Army professionals conduct themselves consistently with the Army ethic, worthy of our profession. An Army professional strives to adhere to seven essential characteristics of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage."
Jackson was a sergeant in Germany and a reservist for a few years at Fort Irwin, California, and Fort Eustis, Virginia, for several years after leaving the military in 1992.
"I'm proud to have worn the uniform. Personally, I will always be a Soldier," he said.
AUSA chapters are located worldwide. In the past, Jackson served in other leadership roles in AUSA. He is a former treasurer and former president of the AUSA Mid Palatinate Chapter in Kaiserslautern, Germany. He served a total of three years in those positions.
Jackson said he loves serving both stateside and abroad. Ultimately, he wants to continue to promote Army family readiness and provide a platform where Soldiers can keep their voice heard.
According to Jackson, AUSA is dedicated to providing Army families the assistance they need to help them manage the challenges of military life.
He said taking on his new post also affords him a great opportunity for professional development.
"Professional development is key to ensure we have a strong Army," Jackson said. "AUSA provides many venues for our Soldiers to increase their knowledge of where their Army is today, and where their Army is going in the future. Attending our meetings ensures that Soldiers, civilians, veterans and their family members will be kept up-to-date on all the latest in equipment, technology and the Army's transformation. We know that it is important that Soldiers continue to keep their voice heard. Hoo-ah!"
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