By Spc. Sharmain Burch
Third Army/ARCENT Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. – This week’s Third Army/ARCENT Soldier of the Week is Spc. Allen M. Jackson, a Third Army/ARCENT communications specialist.
The Durham, N.C., native entered into the U.S. Army as an active duty soldier a few months after graduating from high school in 2010. Since entering he spent his first year in Korea before being assigned to Third Army/ARCENT at Shaw AFB, S.C. Though Allen continues to challenge himself as a soldier ranging from his technical training to volunteering as a basketball coach with the “Brother’s United” program, his biggest challenge by far is being promoted to the rank of sergeant before his brother. “My brother and I entered the Army together, went through basic entry training and advanced individual training together, so being as competitive as we are, we made a bet to see who would become sergeant first, so my goal is to beat him to the punch,” said Allen.
Q: What is your favorite movie genre?
A: Action. No specific one, I just love action films.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Whoa … chicken. Yes I am a chicken guy.
Q: What are your goals?
A: Become the first, between my brother and me to get promoted to sergeant.
Q: What are you most proud of?
A: My relationship with my family and the influence we’ve had on each other.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I like playing basketball, so I volunteer with the “Brother’s United” program and play basketball with the kids and help with the homeless.
Q: If you could spend one hour with anyone, who would it be and why?
A: Kobe Bryant because he is my favorite basketball player.