Commercial Entrepreneurship undergraduate Jessica Quaile retired from the Air Force
“As a student veteran, the high level of resources and active engagement the university provides has made it incredibly easy to use all my benefits to the full extent.”
— Technical Sergeant Jessica Quaile
Please share what was your rank, job, and your branch of service?
I served for 13 years as Active Duty in the Air Force. My primary career field was Security Forces with 5 years as a Phoenix Raven #2085. Upon earning the rank of Technical Sergeant (E6) I was hand selected to serve as a Military Training Instructor (Drill Sergeant). After 4 years I transitioned to the Air Force Reserve and was promoted to Master Sergeant (E7) and moved into the Safety career field. I currently serve at Tyndall AFB as the 44th Fighter Group Occupational Safety Manager (Air Force OSHA).
As a student veteran what has stood out to you as a positive experience while enrolled at FSU Panama City?
As a student veteran, the high level of resources and active engagement the university provides has made it incredibly easy to use all my benefits to the full extent. Many of my prior service friends have had a hard time with transitioning and enrolling in other colleges or have avoided using the benefits due to the lack of guidance. I have never had a question or needed to reach out because FSU does such an outstanding job from the beginning and throughout my enrollment.
How do you feel the local Panama City/Bay County community has demonstrated support for you as a veteran?
The local community has been nothing but welcoming and supportive to me as a veteran. Upon moving to Bay County my first stop was the Veterans Service Office who provided phenomenal support and had a wealth of knowledge. Additionally, the community continually hosts veteran events, job assistance fairs, and military service promotions making the transition from Active Duty a smooth one.
Fig.2- 2020 Military Separation Photo – Colonel Michael Newsom,
Technical Sergeant Jessica Quaile, Chief Master Sergeant Learie Gaitan
What are your end goals upon completing your degree? How do you feel your degree will help you in achieving your goals?
I am currently in my senior year pursuing my Bachelor’s in Commercial Entrepreneurship. While I have had my own home-based small businesses I hope with the knowledge and experience I am earning through FSU I will be ready to take steps into larger business ownership. The fear of having employees, facility care and leasing, and large loans has been alleviated through course work and in-depth discussions with experienced professors. I feel fully prepared to move forward and conquer my goals!