President extends Thanksgiving wishes to deployed Eielson Airman

  • Published
  • By Capt. Darrick Lee
  • 354th Fihgter Wing Public Affairs
FORWARD OPERATION BASE MORALES-FRAZIER, Afghanistan --  Senior Airman Ashley Jackson, a medic from the 354th Medical Operations Squadron, was chosen as one of 10 military members who experienced the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of speaking with President Barack Obama while deployed abroad.

Airman Jackson provides combat medical support to members of the Provincial Reconstruction Team Kapisa that venture into local communities to help with development projects in Afghanistan.

The Lakeville, Minn. native received a personal telephone call from the President of the United States on Thanksgiving day Thursday.

In September, she was riding in a vehicle that was attacked by an IED in Kapisa province. Airman Jackson helped stabilize injured soldiers, and earned a Purple Heart for her actions after the blast. President Obama expressed his gratitude during the phone call.

Airman Jackson asked the Commander-in-Chief if she could put him on speakerphone, allowing her team members and the camera crews in the room to share the moment with her.

"I am so proud of all of you for the extraordinary service you are rendering the country," the President was heard saying over the speakerphone.

"So, on Thanksgiving day, we give thanks for you."

Airman Jackson was all smiles after the call, and talked with French military reporters from Task Force La Fayette about her experience in an on-camera interview.

"I was glad that the president got to say 'Happy Thanksgiving' to everybody in the room," she said.

"Thanksgiving in Afghanistan would be hard if it weren't for the camaraderie we share within the PRT," Airman Jackson added.

"It really is a family affair here ... I'm here until the whole team goes home, and there's no place I'd rather be."