SSgt. Jason Clay Russo was born on November 17, 1971, in Oyster Bay, NY. On December 19, 1990, he enlisted in the US Army Reserves, and he attended boot camp in Fort Jackson, SC. After completing his service in the Army Reserves, Jason enlisted in the Florida National Guard in 1992. Then in 1993, he decided to serve on active duty in the US Army. His primary MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) is a 92M30, and his secondary MOS is 91B30. His training has included the MOS 91B Combat Medic Course, MOS 92M Mortuary Affairs, NBC (Nuclear-Biological-Chemical) NCO Course, Total Army Retention Course, SINCGARS Communication Course, Field Sanitation Course, and the Primary Leadership Development Course.

SSgt. Russo has participated in several campaigns so far, including: Humanitarian Relief--Operation Hurricane Andrew, (AUG-SEP 1992), 301^st Field Hospital, USAR, Gainsville, Florida (1990-1991), 841^st ENG BN, USAR, Orlando, Florida (1991-1992),

2/124^th INF, FLANG, Orlando, Florida (1992-1993), HQ&A CO., 801^st MSB,

101^st ABN DIV (Air Assault) (1993-1995), HQ&A CO., 725^th MSB,

25^th ID (LIGHT) (1995-1998), 54^th QM CO, 49^th Special Troops Battalion, 49^th Group (1998-Present).

Jason's medals and ribbons include: 2 Army Commendation Medals, 5 Army Achievement Medals, 2 Good Conduct Medals, 1 Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon. SSgt. Russo is currently the Operations and Schools NCO (Non-commissioned officer) for the 54^th Quartermaster Company. He is married and has one daughter and a child on the way. On October 17, 2000, Jason will report to Korea for a short deployment.