Utah woman awarded USO Soldier of the Year award
Dec 28, 2021, 1:58 PM | Updated: Dec 29, 2021, 9:40 am
SALT LAKE CITY — Sgt. Breanna J. Jessop of Myton, Utah, was awarded the USO (United Service Organizations) Soldier of the Year, given to outstanding servicemembers for heroic and selfless actions.
In the evacuation operations at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, the 82 Airborne Division was called to support evacuation operations in. U.S. Army Sgt. Breanna Jessop was among that division and took charge of the Karzai Airport Chapel working to help her fellow soldiers with their needs.
In a USO statement it says, “Always putting the well-being of soldiers first, Jessop used her ingenuity to ensure 4,000 U.S. military personnel and coalition forces had access to basic hygiene items when resources were limited or nonexistent.”
Jessop also oversaw the operations of an orphanage that was formed during this time due to the increased number of children left behind or lost in the chaotic events of the evacuation. She assisted in caring for all the children in the orphanage with ages ranging from seven days old to 17 years old. According to the USO statement, Jessop ensured the protection of over 400 displaced children during evacuation operations and enemy attacks.
Mitt Romney congratulated Jessop on the award and her heroic efforts.
Congratulations to USO Soldier of the Year Sgt. Breanna J. Jessop! Managing an orphanage for Afghan children, she demonstrated phenomenal leadership and selflessness. Learn about all the 2021 USO Service Members of the Year: https://t.co/xYyosvI5JX pic.twitter.com/EVo2gZMxGl
— USO (@the_USO) December 26, 2021
“Jessop displayed devoted and selfless leadership under duress, carrying out military operations as well as humanitarian efforts. Her work left an indelible mark on the evacuation mission of American citizens and designated Afghans,” the statement said.
Sgt. Breanna Jessop serves with the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division and is from Myton, Utah.