This isn’t the primary time a small-town woman has hit the massive time, however it’s the first time anybody has earned a lieutenant’s fee in the US Area Command.
Jessica Thompson, the daughter of Detroit ISD Superintendent Kathie Thompson and Bobby Thompson, was named the primary our on-line world warfare operations officer simply final month.
“I’ll get to work to guard our area property by main our on-line world crews. The method was authorized to direct fee cyber officers into the area pressure earlier this 12 months,” Jessica Thompson stated. “Shortly after, a submit got here out on LinkedIn concerning the primary board choice course of. I utilized, interviewed and was chosen. I used to be fortunate sufficient to be the primary appointed.”
“Because of Jessica’s distinctive document, she was considered one of six chosen out of a gaggle of over 400 proficient cyber functions” stated Maj. Adrian Legislation, who’s the deputy chief of the Area Power Recruiting Department of the Air Power Recruiting Service. “Her cyber expertise, schooling and management is simply what the USSF is in search of and we’re excited to place her to work to make sure our area capabilities are safeguarded.”
“I might be a our on-line world warfare operations officer,” she stated, noting that after a stint in officers coaching faculty she might be stationed in Colorado.
Jessica Thompson acquired her curiosity within the navy whereas nonetheless a teenager in a rural faculty, she stated. However by no means actually mentioned it along with her mother and father till later.
“I used to be in junior excessive when 9/11 occurred, and I keep in mind considered one of my shut pal’s brother becoming a member of the Air Power and eager to serve like him. I at all times needed to serve, however it will likely be thrilling to be a part of a brand new service and defending the area area” she stated.
She is grateful for her schooling and the place it has led her.
“I do know that rural schooling may not at all times be probably the most technologically superior otherwise you may not be uncovered to as many alternatives as in a big metropolis, however there are a variety of actually nice benefits to rural schooling as nicely,” she stated.
“Our academics knew us as people and had been capable of finding methods to care personally about our nicely being, plus neighborhood members rallied on your success as nicely,” she stated. “I’m actually grateful I acquired to develop up in such a small neighborhood. I discover that I actually have a tendency to construct a neighborhood wherever I’m going as a result of I understand how vital it’s to assist these round you.”
Jessica Thompson went on from Rivercrest Excessive Faculty the place she graduated in 2008 to attend Texas A&M College and get levels at Arizona State College and College of Texas-Dallas.
Earlier than her present appointment, Jessica Thompson was within the Air Power for 5 years and was additionally a reservist.
Her mother and father are naturally happy with their daughter’s success.
“My husband, Bobby, and I are pleased with Jessica and all she has completed. When this chance for the area pressure turned out there, we knew that it will be match for her due to the problem it will provide,” Kathie Thompson stated. “When she graduated from highschool, we had no concept that she was inquisitive about becoming a member of the navy, however I’ll say that the profession she has made for herself has far exceeded any of our expectations.
Kathie Thompson famous that in highschool Jessica was given the chance to be in lots of management positions.
“With that have, management within the navy and civilian life has been a traditional development,” she stated.
Legislation famous that the brand new department is searching for just a few good women and men to observe in Jessica Thompson’s footsteps.
“The USSF continues to broaden the constructive service credit score direct fee program and we anticipate extra alternatives within the coming 12 months,” Legislation stated.
To be taught extra in regards to the USSF and profession alternatives, go to www.spaceforce.com to find a USSF recruiter close to you.
