By Thomas Sellers Jr.
Tennessee native Sgt. Jeffery Epps is in the middle of the action and his tenure with the United States Army. Back in 2008, Epps enlisted for a 20 year stint. Since joining the Army, Epps has seen the world including his current duties in Niger on the continent of Africa. The son of father Jeff and stepmother Lisa Epps has come a long way since leaving Millington. “I just wanted to do my part,” Epps said. “I wanted to serve my country while building my self up before getting into the real world. “This offers structure and more stability,” he added. “The Army has discipline and is more forgiving than the real world.” Also growing up in Johnson City, Epps finally made the permanent move to Flag City to live with his father to finish high school. He graduated from Lighthouse Christian Academy in 2007. After a few months, he made the decision to join the military. Now the 29-year-old has come a long way from his first days of being stationed in Virginia. He is currently on his third deployment in Niamey, Niger. Epps is a cargo specialist in the 384th Movement Control Team currently deployed to Air Base 101. He’s responsible for tracking all of the French soldiers and equipment coming and going on U.S. aircraft. The French military has a large scale mission in Niger called Operation Barkhane. When it comes to handling any responsibility under the umbrella of the military, there is a danger involved. Epps said his duties shouldn’t involve any direct danger but there is always a chance. “When I was stationed in Afghanistan, there was a light attack,” Epps recalled. “Anytime you’re in the the Army there can be danger. But you go in there knowing what you will face and doing what you have to do. You just accept it.” More than halfway done with his obligation to the U.S. Army, Epps said it has taken support back home as additional motivation. He encourages those looking for direction and productivity for their future to follow in his footsteps.
“Take that step,” he concluded. “See what it is all about. This is a great way to get your life in order. This has provided stability for me.”
