JSU graduate receives promotion in U.S. Army

Jackson State University graduate and Jackson native U.S. Army Major Dexter M. Brookins was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on Saturday, Aug. 11, in Washington D.C. at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial.

Lt. Colonel Brookins currently is assigned to the Joint Enabling Capabilities Command, Norfolk, Va., as a Force Protection Plans Officer.

Brookins has served in various capacities. He was assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He also served as Operations Officer and Special Assistant to The Inspector General of the Army in the Pentagon.

Brookins also was a White House Military Social Aide to former President George W. Bush from Sept. 2005 to June 2007. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from JSU, where he also received his commission from the United States Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1997. Brookins also holds an Executive Master of Policy Management degree from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. Lieutenant Colonel Brookins is a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

Brookins has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, two Joint Service Commendation Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals and two Joint Meritorious Unit Awards.