Legislator, war aviator calls war '95 percent sure'

State Rep. Jack Jackson, R-Wildwood, was a Harrier instructor pilot 12 years ago in the Persian Gulf War. He recalls that the Americans attacked on the darkest day in January.

When the attack on Iraq he is "95 percent sure" will come is to begin he did not predict in a speech Thursday night to the Pachyderm Club in Cape Girardeau. He did point out that Saturday will be the darkest day in February.

Jackson, a freshman legislator representing a West St. Louis County district, is a test pilot for Boeing. When a Harrier hovers at the Arch in St. Louis during the Fourth of July celebration, he is the pilot.

He called Saddam Hussein "a dangerous man" and has an answer to those who ask where the smoking gun is, the proof that he still has weapons of mass destruction. "The gun is held to our head. If we see it smoking it is too late," Jackson said.

Jackson played a Marine Corps recruitment video featuring the Harrier and showed some in the club how to put on the gear he wears as a test pilot.

The 60-year-old Jackson said he is struggling with the slow pace in the House because as a Boeing pilot and colonel in the Marine Corps Reserves he is accustomed to being able to take action.

Born in Sullivan, Ind., Jackson played baseball at Purdue University and joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1967, becoming a Marine aviator. In Vietnam he flew more than 600 combat missions, winning four Distinguished Flying Crosses 33, Air Medal and the Navy Accommodation Medal among others. He recently was awarded the Legion of Merit, which is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.

He left active duty in 1977 as a captain. He has the rank of colonel in the Marine Corps Reserves. Called back to active duty during Operation Desert Shield, he became a Harrier pilot instructor.

He has been a test pilot for Boeing (previously McDonnell Douglas) since 1978, logging more than 9,000 flight hours.

sblackwell@semissourian.com

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