Chief Master Sergeant Johnny D. Jones

Chief Master Sergeant Johnny D. Jones served for over 38 years in the United States Air Force and the Texas Air National Guard. In November of 1969, Chief Jones enlisted into the Air Force as an aircraft loadmaster. Early in his career, he crewed C-141 and C-130 missions in Vietnam for 18 months, compiling over 300 combat missions with 575 combat flying hours, and earning the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor as a young Airman First Class. He returned from Vietnam to serve as an Instructor and Evaluator Loadmaster where his efforts resulted in superior
combat readiness and an outstanding safety record.
Chief Jones transferred to the Texas Air National Guard's 136th Airlift Wing in 1978. Throughout his tenure at the wing, he served in the 136th Aerial Port Squadron, 136th Airlift Control Flight, and the 181st Airlift Squadron. While the Aerial Port Squadron was activated
during DESERT SHIELD / DESERT STORM, he and his crew shattered all previous Air Force records for tonnage moved in a 24-hour period. Additionally, Chief Jones served on the National Aerial Port Advisory Council, and as Vice Chairman of the 136th Airlift Wing Chiefs Council. As Chairman of the Enlisted Performance Feedback Working Group, he led the implementation of a feedback program in the 136th Airlift Wing two years ahead of Air National Guard. He co- authored the Air National Guard Aerial Port Program Instruction as well as the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Aerial Port Self-Evaluation and Quality Control Program, which became the standard guidance for all Guard and Reserve Aerial Port operations.
In 1988, Chief Jones participated in Hurricane Gilbert aeromedical evacuation of the Corpus Christi State School and assisted in the first ever emergency airlift of a 30-ton air conditioning cooling tower, on a C-130. In 1989, Chief Jones led a team to support Hurricane Hugo airlift operations to the US Virgin Islands. His efforts resulted in the rapid airlift and deployment of a Hospital Unit, medical supplies, food, water and equipment.
In 2005, Chief Jones deployed in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM as the Superintendent of Transportation, Logistics Directorate, Combined Air Headquarters. There, he directed the airlift of over 105 tons of equipment to affect a forty percent increase in capability for ENDURING FREEDOM'S MQ-1 Predator strike mission.
Back home again, Chief Jones served as the Deployed Aerial Port Superintendent for Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita relief efforts at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base at Be e Chase, New Orleans, LA, and Ellington Field, Houston, TX where his team set up a fully functioning aerial port to handle the massive influx of aircraft delivering troops and supplies.
As the 136th Airlift Wing Command Chief, Chief Jones served as the "pulse" of the enlisted force. His insight, experience and renowned respect were invaluable in his role as a mentor for the wing commander, over 1,200 wing enlisted personnel, and the entire Texas Air National Guard enlisted force. Chief Jones was an active member of the National Guard Association of Texas, co-chairing the Enlisted Breakfast programs, as well as ensuring enlisted issues were well represented during break-out sessions and business meetings. He was also an active member of the Silver Eagles, an organization of 136th Airlift Wing tenured and retired members who devote themselves to improving the quality of life for airman currently serving.

Texas Air National Guard

2016