FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
The 128th Aviation Brigade honored one of its pioneers, retired Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Lee Jackson, in a barracks dedication ceremony at Fort Eustis, Va., May 21.
The brigade renamed the 1st Battalion, 222nd Aviation Regiment's C Company barracks to Jackson in honor of the command sergeant major. Jackson was instrumental in the creation of the U.S. Army Aviation Logistics School, which became the 128th Avn. Bde. in March 2012.
While stationed at Fort Eustis, Jackson served as the command sergeant major for the former U.S. Army Transportation and Aviation Logistics School. He retired from active duty April 1, 1985, after completing 29 years of military service, during which he served four combat tours, receiving three Purple Hearts. Following his retirement from active duty, Jackson served as a key Army civilian trainer at USAALS, leaving a legacy felt far into the future.
"He had the tremendous service as a command sergeant major, and then followed on with 24 more years of civil service," said Mark Jones, deputy to the commander of the 128th Avn. Bde. "When he passed away Jan. 5, 2011 at the age of 80, he was the deputy of one of the training departments."
Jones said it's only fitting that at the home of enlisted aviation maintenance training, the brigade dedicates the first of several new barracks buildings to such a dedicated and devoted noncommissioned officer as an inspiration to another generation.
Jackson's family shared similar sentiments.
"The Jackson family would like to thank you for honoring Dad in such a beautiful way," said Penny Jackson, the command sergeant major's daughter-in-law, to the brigade leadership. "From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for this wonderful dedication, and we will never forget it."