Sergeant Major William A. Jackson was born and raised in the Oakland, California area. His parents instilled in him a strong faith and work ethic that inspired him to serve his community and nation. He entered the Army in 1977 and served for over 30 years as a Chemical and Infantry Soldier. He served in various assignments from CBRN Staff NCO to Corps CBRN SGM. Before activating the 23rd Chemical Battalion on Joint Base Lewis-McCord, SGM Jackson served as senior enlisted advisor to the 11th and 12th Chemical Companies. Upon retirement, he continued his emphasis on developing others through speaking engagements for graduates of the local Equal Opportunity and Noncommissioned Officer Academy’s Primary Development Leadership Courses. SGM Jackson volunteered at the Madigan Army Community Center, serving on the Patient Family Advocacy Council, working to improve the patient and family health care experience. He also collaborated with the Chemical Corps Regimental Association (CCRA), Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, CBRN leaders and the I Corps to establish the Pacific Northwest CBRN Ball and Regimental Week, an annual event since 2003. His impact successfully increased partnership amongst tenant units that has sustained decades of leadership turnover, increased awareness to our CBRN history and readiness.

SGM (R) Jackson continues to dedicate his services to the communities of the JBLM, Lacey and Olympia, Washington areas. He has connected the CBRN community through volunteer work that generated multiple fundraising opportunities, including annual golf scrambles and a scavenger hunt at the Fort Lewis Museum. SGM (R) Jackson also had an integral role in the installation and continual maintenance of the purple smoke tree at the Fort Lewis Museum, including a dedication plaque to the Chemical Corps. He continues to support veterans as a patient advocate and holds a board position at the Seattle and American Lake Veteran Administration Hospital. He is also the editor for the 1st CAV Soldiers, a Vice President at an all-volunteer Amtrak Station in Olympia, serves as an ambassador for the US Cyber Mission supporting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities. SGM (R) Jackson has followed a 30-year military career with dedicating his free time to providing service to the JBLM Community, the Chemical Corps and CBRN enterprise. His goodwill and honest nature make him a deserving recipient of the Distinguished Member of the Corps.