New leader takes command of 81st Mission Support Group Published July 8, 2008 By Susan Griggs Keesler News KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- June 23, Col. Jeffrey Jackson assumed command of the 81st Mission Support Group from Col. Rodney Croslen. In his new position, Colonel Jackson leads the base combat support, logistics, and service activities for 78,000 military, civilians, dependents and retirees. He budgets for and expends $72.5 million in appropriated funds, $10 million in nonappropriated funds and $15 million in stock funds annually, maintains and provides security for real property and equipment valued at $60 million, manages a fleet of 458 vehicles and 5,000 pieces of technical training equipment. He's responsible for formulating, establishing and executing policies and plans to meet mission requirements. He also oversees contract award administration totaling more than $69 million and a $19 million Government Purchase Card program. He also represents Keesler in working with state and area leaders on issues affecting the base and surrounding communities. Colonel Jackson received his commission in 1985 through the Air Force Officer Training Course at the University of Kentucky. He earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering and master of science degrees in engineering management and strategic studies. He is a graduate of the Air Force Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College and Air War College. His last two assignments were at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, where he served as Air Education and Training Command's chief of integrated planning from June 2005 to February 2007, and chief of asset management from February 2007 to June 2008. His other assignments have been at Offutt AFB, Neb.; Comiso Air Station, Italy; Scott AFB, Ill.; McGuire AFB, N.J.; Royal Air Force Molesworth, England; Eglin AFB, Fla., and Shaw AFB, S.C. Colonel Croslen, who led the 81st MSG for two years, is now AETC's housing privatization chief.