Photo By Cmdr. Cheryl Collins | Retail Specialist 1st Class Wayneishia Jacks, a native of Houston, Texas, assigned to...... read more read more
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HOUSTON – Retail Specialist 1st Class Petty Officer Wayneishia Jacks, a native of Houston, serves as a citizen sailor in the U.S. Navy Reserve, assigned to Navy Reserve Center Houston.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Houston.
“My hometown taught me the importance of resilience and finding ways to overcome challenges, no matter the circumstances,” Jacks said. “It instilled in me the determination to carve my own path and create opportunities for myself.”
Jacks joined the Navy 18 years ago. Today, she serves as a retail specialist 1st class petty officer.
“I joined the Navy because I needed a way to fund my education and create a future for myself,” Jacks said. “My family couldn’t afford college, and the Navy gave me the opportunity to build a career and pursue my dreams.”
As a retail specialist, Jacks oversees a wide variety of operations, including managing ship stores, barbershops, vending machines and mailrooms. Her role reflects the adaptability and mission-focused mindset that define the Navy Reserve, which continues to play a critical role in national security.
Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore, chief of the Navy Reserve and commander of Navy Reserve Force, highlighted the Reserve’s mission.
“I am proud of where the Reserve Force is today. We have worked hard to build the strategic depth the Total Navy Force needs. But we have more work to do; work we will take on together,” Lacore said. “Our job is to fight and win our nation’s wars, and we must ensure our sailors and their families are prepared to do this when the call comes.”
This collective sense of purpose resonates with Jacks, who reflected on her proudest accomplishments during her service.
“Deploying overseas, earning my degree and raising my daughter while giving her the chance to experience other cultures, like living in Japan for two years, are all things I’m incredibly proud of,” Jacks said. “I’m also working on my master’s degree and recently purchased my second home. These milestones mean a lot to me.”
At Navy Reserve Center Houston, Jacks serves as the agency program manager, overseeing government travel cards for nearly 2,000 reservists. Her efforts ensure sailors are mission-ready and equipped to serve effectively. This readiness aligns with the Navy’s overarching mission to protect and promote national security.
Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations, underscored the Navy’s global impact.
“We operate far forward, around the world and around the clock, from the seabed to space, in cyberspace and in the information environment to promote our nation’s prosperity and security,” Franchetti said. “Our identity is forged by the sea, and we serve with honor, courage and commitment.”
Reflecting on her nearly two-decade career, Jacks expressed gratitude for the opportunities the Navy has provided, particularly the chance to prioritize both duty and family.
“The Navy gave me the chance to return home to care for my terminally ill mother,” Jacks said. “That time with her was invaluable, and I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to balance duty and family.”
For Jacks, the Navy has been more than a career — it’s been a foundation for personal and professional growth.
“I want to thank my family for their unwavering support, and my daughter for being my inspiration,” Jacks said. “She motivates me to keep achieving and showing her that anything is possible.”
Jacks exemplifies the values and dedication that sustain the Navy’s readiness to operate far forward, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
| Date Taken: | 11.18.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 12.04.2024 16:13 |
| Story ID: | 485894 |
| Location: | HOUSTON, TEXAS, US |
| Hometown: | HOUSTON, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 15,191 |
| Downloads: | 5 |
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