335th TRS to raise funds at 5K for AJ

Published Nov. 7, 2014
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- A.J. Jackson, a former 335th Training Squadron career development course writer, is medically retired now, but the Bulls have scheduled another fundraiser to pay back one of the organizations that assisted his family.

The second annual "5-K for AJ," scheduled for 9 a.m. Nov. 15, in the Triangle, continues the squadron's legacy of helping veterans in need, according to Tech. Sgt. Krista Knaus, one of the organizers. Last year's event raised nearly $18,000 for the Jackson family.

"This year, we are raising money for the Disabled American Veterans, a group that does many great things for veterans around Keesler and in the greater Biloxi area," Knaus said. "We hope to let students, families, co-workers and friends know about this great opportunity to support those Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines that need our help."

Jackson is paralyzed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair after multiple surgeries since his diagnosis with Marfan's Syndrome two years ago. The condition causes abnormal connective tissue affecting the heart and blood vessels, eyes, bones, lungs and covering of the spinal cord. Because the condition affects multiple parts of the body, it can cause many complications, some life-threatening.

Jackson retired with 18 years of active-duty service as a master sergeant. He and his wife, Ashley, live in Vancleave with their two young children. She is a former staff sergeant and weather instructor who left the Air Force in May to care for her family and complete training to become a veterinary technician.

Fees and donations for the 5-kilometer run are being donated to the DAV through the Combined Federal Campaign. Registration is $20 for the run with a commemorative T-shirt and $10 just to run.

"It really makes me proud to see how we've come together to help a fellow Airman in true 'wingman spirit,'" Webb exclaimed. "We're confident that we'll have a great turnout."

Points of contact for the 335th TRS "Bulls" are Tech. Sgt. Timothy Martinez and Staff Sgt. Friedrich Martin.

Unit representatives are Staff Sgt. Keven Blackman, 335th TRS; Staff Sgt. Lester Lane, 334th TRS; Staff Sgt. Brittney Billups, 336th TRS; Airman 1st Class Parris Brown, 338th TRS; Staff Sgt. Stephanie Thomas, 81st Dental Squadron; Staff Sgt. Carrie Haroulakis, 81st Security Forces Squadron; Staff Sgt. Andrea Stein, 81st Medical Group; Tech. Sgt. Arianna Issac, 81st Logistics Readiness Squadron; Staff Sgt. Keisha Jones, 81st Inpatient Support Squadron; Staff Sgt. Valerie Divert, 81st Training Support Squadron, Tech. Sgt. Jasmine Howell, 81st Force Support Squadron, and Tech Sgt. Lavanna Corbin, 81st Training Wing staff agencies.

For more information, log on to www.5kforaj.com or www.dav.org.

"5K for AJ" benefit run