Chief Master Sergeant Jo Keller entered the Air Force September of 1991 and attended Basic Military Training January of 1992. She was assigned to Norton AFB, California as an Aeromedical Evacuation Technician at the 68th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. She had multiple deployments spanning the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bosnia, Oman, Germany and the United States in support of Operations Southern Watch, Joint Guard, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle and New Dawn. She has over 2300 mishap-free flying hours in seven different airframes having cared for thousands of sick and wounded service members and DOD employees.
Despite injuries suffered during a terrorist attack during her first deployment, she went on to serve an additional 20 years.
During her career Chief Keller served in many key roles. Such as Safety NCOIC, Medical Readiness NCOIC, Unit Career Advisor, Operations Support Superintendent, Acting First Sergeant, AE Flight Instructor, 452 Wing Yellow Ribbon Rep. and finally 403 Aeromedical Staging Squadron Chief Enlisted Manager. She retired honorably in 2018 after 26 ½ years of faithful service.
Her major awards and decorations include: Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with Valor and oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and five oak leaf clusters.
Chief Master Sergeant Keller's current affiliations are: Military Order of the Purple Hearts Chapter 2929, American Legion & Auxiliary Post 289 and AmVets post 77.
This year, she was nominated as Patriot of the year for the Military Order of the Purple Heart chapter 2929. Additionally, she was honored with the State of California Purple Heart Patriot of the Year 2019 and presented an award on the Senate floor at the California State Capitol.
The Military Hero of the Week presented by California Resources Corporation was created to acknowledge the heroic efforts and sacrifices made by our U.S. service members, veterans and their families. Each week of the Regular Season the Los Angeles Chargers will honor a Military Hero. The honored service member will receive four tickets to a Chargers home game where he or she will be recognized on-field.
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