Alumna becomes first female Chief Master Sergeant for the 114th Security Forces Squadron

A desire to be part of something bigger than herself has guided Jeanne Gacke’s career. That drive started when she was initially a student-athlete at Yankton College and continues today.

After leaving Yankton College to enlist in the U.S. Air Force, Gacke ’96 served nine and one-half years with the Air Force before deciding to complete her degree. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history from State in 1996 and later joined the South Dakota Air National Guard’s 114th Fighter Wing.

Following 9/11 and her subsequent activation, she started in the unit’s security forces squadron as a training noncommissioned officer. Upon her recent promotion, Gacke was appointed the first female Chief Master Sergeant for the 114th Security Forces Squadron in the history of the South Dakota Air National Guard.

“When I was promoted to chief, the news just floored me. I never thought it’d happen,” she said. “I was happy with the position and rank I held. I’m just grateful that it did.”

Major Joe Hardin ’93 of the 114th Security Forces Squadron said promoting Gacke was one of the best decisions he made in his career.

“Throughout her career, she has always been one who always has the mission in mind and puts the people first,” he said. “She lives by the Air Force core values (integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do). Within your career, they tell you to surround yourself with great people, and she’s great people. She never puts herself first. She’s a phenomenal person, and it’s been a great decision to have her to run this squadron with me.”

Gacke had been the operations superintendent and senior master sergeant for the Security Forces Squadron. In addition to helping train others in security and antiterrorism efforts, she wrote various plans and manuals.

“Ever since I was a kid, I always thought about serving in the military. I made a deal with my mom I’d go to college for a year to try it,” Gacke said. “After one semester, I decided I didn’t want to do that right now so I joined the U.S. Air Force.”

Wanted degree

She served for several years before getting the desire to complete her degree. During a six-year stint at Ellsworth Air Force Base, Gacke started taking a few night classes. When the Gulf War started, her responsibilities shifted, forcing her to stop taking classes.

“I really wanted my degree so I decided to separate from the military,” she said. “My mom was in failing health and my sister was not doing well either.”

She started working overnights at Citibank and attending classes on a full-time basis at South Dakota State.

“College was a great experience but it was tough,” Gacke said, noting her mother died during finals week before her last semester. “I had some great professors who really took an interest in me.

“I remember Dr. (Rodney) Bell, who was chair of the history department, pulled me into his office and had a great heart-to-heart talk with me after Mom died,” she continued. “We talked about what I had left to do for my degree and that I should think about what I needed to do. I stuck it out and graduated the following semester.”

Missed military life

With her degree, Gacke continued working at Citibank but also thought about returning to military life.

“I missed the military so I tried to get back by joining the National Guard,” she said. “At first, I thought I’d just do the one weekend a month and two weeks a year. Then, in May 2000, I went on a three-week trip (military deployment) to Turkey and had a great time.”

Following 9/11, Gacke was activated and served three years. During that time, she became aware of a full-time job with the South Dakota Air National Guard. Following her activation, she started in the unit with a position focused on plans and programs.

She currently oversees the operations of full-time staff and traditional guard members.

“We have security 24/7, 365,” Gacke said, noting she oversees policies, procedures and training. “We prepare them the best we can for their next task and deployment.”

That preparation includes training someone to replace her when the time comes. However, she’s not quite ready to move on yet.

“I’d like to do another three to five years,” Gacke said. “It’s still fun to come to work. I love doing what I do. I’m trying to prepare those people behind me to sit in this position.

When my boss is ready to let me go, I’ll call it a day but I’m not ready yet.”

She is preparing for that day. Gacke, who holds a master’s in security management, is already teaching for Bellevue University. In addition, she is working on a second master’s degree in history and would like to teach history after retiring from her military career.

“I love teaching. I love the interaction and the discussions that pop up when you teach something,” she said. “It’s rewarding for me when you can look at someone and see they understand.

“I don’t know what draws me to teaching, but it’s always something I wanted to do,” Gacke continued. “I talk about what it means to be a citizen and what are your responsibilities. It’s a responsibility I cherish, another way I serve and give back.”

Matt Schmidt