Republicans In The News

Del. Jennings enlists

Date: August 15, 2008
Publication: The Jeffersonian
Author: Bryan Sears

J.B. Jennings is headed to boot camp.

The second-term Republican delegate said he is fulfilling a life-long dream to serve in the military by joining the Maryland Air National Guard. Jennings represents the 7th District, including Cockeysville, part of Perry Hall and Middle River.

"I’ve always wanted to serve my country," Jennings said. "This was not a spontaneous decision."

But with Jennings turning 35 next spring, the cutoff age to join, the window of opportunity was closing fast.

Jennings enlisted and then dropped 51 pounds to meet the weight qualifications.

When not serving in the state legislature, Jennings is a cattle farmer. He said he will likely have to give up all but about 10 of his 41 head of cattle, leaving a more manageable herd for his wife, an equine nutritionist, to care for.

He is also a volunteer firefighter at the Jacksonville Volunteer Fire Company and a licensed pilot.

Jennings will begin training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio on Sept. 9. He expects to return in late October.

"I’m not excited about that," Jennings said, feeling his age. "Most of the kids I’ll be there with are very fast and very in shape and I’m going to be trying to compete with them."

After training, Jennings said he expects he will serve as a loadmaster on C-130 cargo planes similar to those stationed at the Warfield Air National Guard base in Middle River.