Barry Leo Jackson Jr. is currently a member of the Alabama Air National Guard United States Air Force where he serves as a Client Systems Technician. Barry received his Bachelor’s degree in Resource and Technology Management and is currently pursuing an MBA in General Management from Troy University. Barry spent his early years of childhood as a resident of Tuskegee, Alabama. At the age of five he moved to Montgomery, Alabama where he still resides today. Barry is an active member of PHA Freemasonry, the NAACP, the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, Beta Phi Phi Honor Society, and the National Society of Leadership. His hobbies include spending time with his family, reading books, community service, watching sports and listening to music.

     Barry became intrigued in the field of aviation in 2014 when he returned home from basic military training.  His inspiration came from his older brother who would constantly tell him that he should look into becoming a pilot. Due to lack of exposure and fears of failure, the thought of becoming a pilot never gained much traction until January of 2017, when he received an incentive flight at the 187th Fighter Wing in an F-16 Fighter Jet which catapulted his desires to become a pilot for the United States Armed Forces. After receiving his incentive flight, his passion and desire to become a pilot was something he could not ignore.

     Barry Began at the Redtail Flight Academy in October of 2020. He is currently a student pilot working on obtaining his private pilot’s license. Barry’s career goals are to continue the legacy of the Tuskegee Airman and fly for the United States Military and maybe one day fly for a commercial airline. Through his journey he hopes to teach and mentor other young minorities who may not be aware of the opportunities of careers in aviation. The motto Barry likes to live by is “Don’t let your fear of failure stop you from walking in your purpose!”.