Army Sgt. Breanna J. Jessop of Myton has been named the 2021 USO Service Member of the Year for her amazing role in the evacuation operations in Afghanistan last summer. Every year there is only one service member named from each branch of the military and Sgt. Jessop is that representative for the Army for 2021. The announcement on Defense.gov spells out the ways she stood out, having played a key role in the evacuation operations at Hamid Karzai International Airport in August. “When the 82nd Airborne Division was called to support the mission, Jessop became the noncommissioned officer in charge of the airport’s chapel,” shares the announcement. “Despite having limited to nonexistent resources, she used her ingenuity to ensure 4,000 members of the coalition force, including U.S. troops, had access to items used for basic hygiene. Jessop also oversaw the orphanage that was formed as a result of the increase in unaccompanied minors being brought to the area, and she led the charge to help care for children ranging in age from 7 days to 17 years old. According to the USO, she protected their well-being and their dignity as human beings. Thanks to Jessop’s devoted and selfless leadership efforts, more than 400 displaced children were protected from enemy attacks and the turmoil that unfolded during the operation.” Congratulations Sgt. Jessop on your much deserved recognition as the 2021 USO Service Member of the Year.
