Jillian Johansen enlisted in the United States Navy on August 24, 2003 from Kansas City, Missouri. She served in the Navy for ten (10) years as a Yeoman First Class Petty Officer, Aviation Warfare Specialist until her discharge on March 1st, 2013. Jillian’s initial duty station from 2004 to 2006 was with the VP-30 (The Pro’s Nest) at Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, FL. There, she worked in the Aviation storekeepers’ tool room in the hangar bay with P-3C Orion aircraft. She assisted with 5 Air Shows, which featured the world-renowned “Blue Angels.” Jillian went on to serve at Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine, and finished her service at the Navy Information Operations Command at Fort Meade, Maryland. Jillian served in a variety of positions including: the command Sponsor Coordinator, Leave and Military Pay supervisor, Lead Defense Travel Coordinator, and many other jobs of increased responsibility. Her military awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals Silver Star in Lieu of 6th award, the Navy Battle “E” Award, Good Conduct Medal (with Bronze star), Iraq and Afghanistan Campaign Service medals and the National Defense Service Medal.
Today, Jillian works at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University as an Academic Advisor for the Onward to Opportunity Program (formerly known as the Veteran Career Transition Program).
Accompanying Jillian on the field today is her husband, Charles, and daughter, Hayden.