Jackie Kelly sits down with her home class at Fort Sill's Cooper Child Development Center after a five-month deployment to Fort Myer, Va. She deployed to take over as the lead in the preschool program and assisted Child Youth and School Services ther...

FORT SILL, Okla. (July 12, 2013) -- The July employee spotlight is on Jackie Kelly, a Fort Sill child care provider with more than 20 years of experience, who works at Cooper Child Development Center.

Kelly recently returned from a five-month deployment to Fort Myer, Va., where she took over as the lead in the preschool program and assisted Child Youth and School Services (CYSS) in achieving reaccreditation for the child development center.

She was asked to deploy because of her knowledge and experience in CYSS, but she said the reason she went was because, "I get to love on another group of children and wanted to be a support to CYS Services."

A former military spouse and mother of one son, Kelly has been at Tincher Child Development Center and the School Age Center while they underwent the reaccreditation process.

"I knew I could help at Fort Myer," she said.

Kelly said her favorite part of the job is the smiles and laughter of the children she cares for.

"I also enjoy being a support to Soldiers. As a former military spouse, I know how important having trustworthy child care is to Soldiers. It can give them peace of mind to accomplish their mission."

She said she couldn't have accomplished her mission without the support of her husband and the support of Brenda Spencer-Ragland, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation director, who kept in touch with her and ensured she had what she needed to accomplish the job.

Kelly was recently recognized by the Fort Sill garrison commander for her dedication to her career and her care of Soldiers and their families.