Photo By Emily Hileman | Jackie Ortiz, the first civilian and female to hold the position of Commandant of the...... read more read more
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“Today, we have the distinct privilege of inducting three new members into the Fort Jackson Hall of Fame,” said Brig. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, Fort Jackson commander, during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon, June 8. “Members of this short list are a ‘who’s who’ who have supported Fort Jackson in the past and who continually support our vision, mission, and goals for the future benefit of our beloved installation.”
The Fort Jackson Hall of Fame was established to recognize and honor persons who have made an indelible mark on the Fort Jackson community.
Karen Soule was the first to be inducted. Soule began her 31-year long career with the Army as a Facility Manager of Weston Lake Recreation Area at Fort Jackson. She worked her way up and eventually became the Director of Youth Activities. In that role, she developed, designed and implemented the first formal after school program.
Soule then transitioned to public affairs. While she was the Director of Public Affairs, the Fort Jackson Leader was awarded first place in newspaper category, and four journalists won first place in their writing categories in the Army’s Keith L. Ware yearly communication awards competition. She also led first lady visits for Laura Bush and Michelle Obama and was the creator of the “Come Meet Your Army” tours.
“I’m really honored by the whole ceremony and just being considered to be in the hall of fame,” Soule said.
Jackie Ortiz was the second inductee into the Fort Jackson Hall of Fame that day.
A current Fort Jackson Department of the Army Civilian, Ortiz is currently a program manager and the deputy commandant of the Initial Military Training Leadership School. She is the first civilian and the first female to hold the position of commandant of the Initial Military Training Leadership School.
Ortiz has been an inspirational figure on Fort Jackson since her arrival in April 1995, when she served as a drill sergeant. She transitioned to the IMT Leadership School following her time as a drill sergeant where she has been since 1997. She has since worked as a training developer, course manager, instructor, program director, commandant and now – Hall of Fame inductee.
“I was shocked,” Ortiz said. “I never saw myself earning such a title. What I do here is so enjoyable that I just never saw it as a hard effort.”
Although three individuals were voted in for their continual support of Fort Jackson, only two attendees were present for the momentous occasion. Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Lamont Christian, a former Drill Sergeant Academy Commandant and post command sergeant major, was unable to attend but will be formally inducted at a later date.
“As inductees, you continue the legacy of those who came before you and set a shining example for others who wish to follow your chosen path of volunteerism,” Kelly said.
| Date Taken: | 06.08.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 06.15.2023 11:02 |
| Story ID: | 447258 |
| Location: | FORT JACKSON, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Hometown: | VENICE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 59 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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