LV High grad maintains F-16 fighter

Dick Benoit

Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005 | 8:22 a.m.

Air Force Senior Airman Matthew Jackson, son of James and Lora Jackson of Las Vegas, is assigned as an F-16 assistant dedicated crew chief to the 51st Fighter Wing, the most forward deployed Air Force unit within the Republic of Korea.

It is less than 50 miles from the demilitarized zone that separates South and North Korea.

"I perform inspections on the aircraft to see if anything is broken," said the 2001 graduate of Las Vegas High School. "I also assist in launching and recovering the aircraft."

Home to the 51st Fighter Wing and the 7th Air Force, along with 24 tenant organizations, Osan Air Base is also the home to F-16 fighters and the A-10 Thunderbolt II close-air support aircraft, and all associated support units.

"Basically, we are the front line in defense for the base if something goes wrong with North Korea," he said.

According to Air Force journalist Rich Lamance, for many military personnel the sights, sounds and smells of this Asian country produce a form of culture shock, for others a sense of adventure and a chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

"The food is different and the culture is beautiful," says Jackson. "Life is different than our country but Koreans are extremely nice and courteous."

For Jackson and fellow airmen stationed at South Korea's most northern deployed U.S. air base, life is always a bit on edge with the reality that even after more than half a century following the conflict between the north and south, tensions are just as high today, Lamance noted.

Chaparral grad back from Iraq

Army Spec. Michael Lesperance, Chaparral High School class of 1999, has returned to Fort Drum, Watertown, N.Y., after being deployed to Iraq in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom. Lesperance, along with other soldiers from various companies within the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, are members of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) at Fort Drum.

Lesperance, son of Eugene Lesperance and Susan Gestring, both of Las Vegas, was awarded the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal for his participation in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) helped the Iraqi government to be self governing, conducted defensive and offensive operations and infrastructure reinforcement, and trained Iraqi national guard battalion members, military officials said.

Lesperane's wife, Anna, is the daughter of Dan Wertsbaugh and Carol Wertsbaugh, both of Las Vegas.

In brief

Since graduating from Bonanza, he has received an associate degree in 1997 from Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, N.C. and earned a bachelor's degree in 1999 from Mars Hill College, N.C.

Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing 9 launched more than 6,500 sorties, totaling more than 20,000 flight hours.