Photo By Master Sgt. Forest Decker | U.S. Army Spc. David Jackson, of the California Army National Guard’s 115th Regional...... read more read more
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ROSEVILLE, Calif. (June 22,2020)—One of the unique strengths about the military is the diversity of its people and the individual experiences they can bring to the service.
The National Guard is even more unique in this aspect, as its service members more often than not lead dual lives as Citizen Soldiers. They are not only able to serve their communities, but they also have the opportunity to bring their civilian skills and professions to strengthen their units. Citizen Soldiers like U.S. Army Spc. David Jackson, highlight the way their civilian background can make them even stronger Soldiers.
Jackson, an ammo specialist with the California Army National Guard’s 115th Regional Support Group, brings his civilian skills as the owner of a fish and gun shop to his role as a weekend warrior in the California Army National Guard.
“In the guard, I have the obligation to respond by helping my communities deal with fires, floods, hurricanes, or other emergency situations. I am grateful that I can be a significant part for serving our community,” said Jackson.
Jackson, a relatively new member of the Cal Guard joined in 2016 and is part of the 115th RSG’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF) team, based out of Roseville, Calif.
“I’m on the Quick Reaction Force team in the Guard, which means that we are capable of rapidly responding to rising situations to assist associated units in need of support,” he said.
Skills on the range are important to Soldiers in the Cal Guard, especially those on the QRF team, and Jackson has been able to use his over 20 years of experience in shooting and handling weapons to help his unit both on the job and on the range.
One year ago, Jackson became the owner of a firearm shop that's been located in Northern California for over 21 years. The store specializes in firearms training, qualifying individuals for concealed carry permits and fishing equipment.
“I like my civilian job because it’s fun and changes from day to day—it’s not always the same thing," he said. “You may get a brand-new person buying a gun or someone might ask you to build a custom gun.”
With civil unrest throughout the country last month, the COVID-19 pandemic still active, and the looming threat of California wildfires as summer approaches, Jackson is sure that the Cal Guard will keep him just as busy and challenge him just as much, if not more than his civilian job.
“I joined the Guard because I like the mission of humanitarian support and the opportunity the Guard has given me,” he said.
| Date Taken: | 06.22.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 06.24.2020 16:31 |
| Story ID: | 372605 |
| Location: | ROSEVILLE, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 362 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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