F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- The 90th Missile Wing recently brought on a 30-year Air Force veteran and previous F.E. Warren Airman to fill an open manning slot for the wing.
Ronald Jenkins, a retired colonel, filled the position of director of staff. After spending some time retired, he said he is excited to return to the Air Force and F.E. Warren.
Jenkins said he was an Air Force brat born on Edwards Air Force Base, California, and grew up in Charleston, South Carolina.
His family has a history of military service – a grandfather who served during the First World War, two uncles who served during World War II and his father who served in the Air Force.
Jenkins said he always wanted to serve the country from a young age.
“My family instilled a responsibility and a desire to serve the country somehow,” he said. “It wasn’t a tradition or a legacy that made me join. It was that want to do something.”
His path towards the Air Force began in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at The Citadel, a military college in South Carolina. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and embarked on his journey that would span three decades.
Jenkins began as a missile combat crew member on the Titan II ICBMs at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, in 1983, something he sees as ironic after his father’s Air Force career.
“My father worked as an electrical engineer working on the development of the Titan I ICBM system,” he said. “Years later, there I was as a crew member on the Titan II missiles.”
While working as a combat crew member, he met his wife, who was also a missileer. Over the course of his career, they had five children – three girls and two boys – two of which have served or are currently serving in the Air Force.
Over his 30-year career, Jenkins has had a variety of jobs and positions that have provided him a wealth of knowledge and skills, which he intends to bring to his new position as director of staff.
“I was very fortunate to be able to see and learn so much during my time in the Air Force,” Jenkins said. “My career at four missile wings, two flying wings and one space wing – as well as two unified commands, the headquarters of the U.S. Air Force at the Pentagon and twice at the headquarters of Air Force Space Command – has exposed me to virtually every aspect of the military.”
His career even brought him into the 90th Missile Wing, giving him a head start on knowing what it takes for the wing to accomplish the mission.
“Having been the 90th Mission Support Group commander, I already have an understanding and great respect for this mission and the people of the Mighty Ninety,” he said. “I feel blessed that I got to serve this country for 30 years, and now I get to serve again, just with a different uniform.”
Now that he is with the Mighty Ninety as director of staff, he has taken on a number of tasks, such as becoming responsible for the wing staff agencies as they accomplish their missions, which will alleviate the day-to-day tasks of the commander and vice commander.
“With me here, the commander and vice commander will have more time to provide the support Airman need to accomplish mission, such as going out and seeing Airmen to make sure they have the proper resources and know how they contribute to the mission,” Jenkins said. “The relief will also allow them more time to think strategically and lead the wing.”
After spending the last three years enjoying retirement and traveling, Jenkins begins his career on the civilian side of the Air Force, and he is excited to support the wing and do the best job he can. He intends to use his past experiences and his knowledge to ensure the completion of the mission and to help the Mighty Ninety succeed.