Tuskegee Airman of the Week

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Staff Sgt. Jessica Sanders, a security forces leader with the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, instructs a servicemember on how to file a missing identification card worksheet, here, Feb. 2. Sanders is the Tuskegee Airman of the week for Jan. 19-25. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tiffany Trojca)

Tuskegee Airman of the Week

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Staff Sgt. Jessica Sanders, a security forces leader with the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, assists the Joint Defense Operations Center, here, Feb. 2. Deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Sanders has completed three credit hours in college algebra through the College Level Examination Program and was selected for the Jan. 19-25 Tuskegee Airman of the week. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tiffany Trojca)

Deployed Moody staff sergeant named Tuskegee Airman of the week at Balad

Published Feb. 5, 2009
By Tech. Sgt. Craig Lifton
332nd Air Expeditionary Wing

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- Staff Sgt. Jessica Sanders is the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's Tuskegee Airman of the Week for Jan. 19 - 25.

Sergeant Sanders, a security forces leader with the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, applied her training and leadership abilities to protect and defend the populace of Balad.

While responding to an assault, Sergeant Sanders took command and control. Under Sanders' leadership two subjects were arrested leading to one of them being deported. The victim received aid and Sanders secured all pertinent evidence.

Sergeant Sanders, deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., was involved in four "inside-the-wire" mitigation measures and 12 random antiterrorism measures, all designed to detect and deter threats against the base from inside and outside.

During the inspections, she identified 15 locals and third-country nationals who were in violation of JBB regulations. The Atlanta, Ga., native conducted health and welfare inspections on 15 quarters and 65 TCNs, finding and seizing 67 contraband items.

"I feel like I'm making a difference," said Sergeant Sanders. "If it wasn't for us, the threat would be inside of the wire."

Working toward her Community College of the Air Force degree in Criminal Justice, Sergeant Sanders has taken classes with the American Military University and recently tested through the College Level Examination Program to earn three credit hours in college algebra.

In addition, Sergeant Sanders volunteers 10 hours a week, supervising an Internet cafe, scheduling 10 Airmen, doubling operating hours and enhancing unit morale.

"Sanders is a great leader; cool calm and collected in her position," said Master Sgt. Dennis Kennedy, a security forces craftsman and supervisor deployed from Langley Air Force Base, Va. "That's exactly what we need in a desk sergeant."