Where Are They Now?
By Allison Young

Jessica Jacinto, Youth Tour 2004

KIUC’s first Youth Tour was in 2004. For the 20th anniversary of Youth Tour, we talked story with one of the first Youth Tour delegates, Maj. Jessica Jacinto. Jessica is from Kaumakani and graduated from Waimea High as valedictorian in 2005 and University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in 2009. Jessica is stationed at Fort Shafter, Hawai‘i, as a G5 logistics planner for the 8th Theater Sustainment Command. 

Aloha, Jessica. What’s your favorite memory from Youth Tour?

Visiting the nation's capital for the first time is something I will never forget. It was a great chance to learn more about our government, visit historic monuments and landmarks, and meet so many amazing people. It was amazing to visit places that I had only previously seen on TV or read about in history books.

Tell us about your path after graduation.

I attended the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa on a four-year Army ROTC Scholarship and graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and rehabilitation science. I was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army upon graduation and attended the Ordinance Officer Basic Course at Fort Gregg-Adams (formerly known as Fort Lee) in Virginia. After completing the officer basic course, I was assigned to E Company Forward Support Company, 3rd Battalion 25th Aviation Regiment at Wheeler Army Airfield Hawai‘i.

In 2012, I deployed to Afghanistan. In 2013, I was promoted to captain and attended the Combined Logistics Captain Career Course at Fort Gregg-Adams. In 2014, I was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade at Fort Riley, Kansas. While I was stationed in Kansas, I was able to reconnect with the Kansas electric cooperative director and the 2003 Kaw Valley Electric Youth Tour winner. I participated in a panel to conduct interviews and helped to select the Kaw Valley Electric Youth Tour winners for 2015.

I completed another deployment from 2015 to 2016. When I returned from deployment, I assumed command of Headquarters Support Company, 601st Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Riley, Kansas. After completing company command, I was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawai‘i, where I served as a Battalion S4 and the operational contract support chief.

I was promoted to major in 2021 and served as the 25th Infantry Division G4 supply and services officer, followed by the distribution integrations branch chief for 25th Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade. I am currently stationed at Fort Shafter, Hawai‘i, and am a G5 logistics planner for the 8th Theater Sustainment Command.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I like to travel, surf, hike, camp, and scuba or free dive. I also enjoy playing in kickball and flag football leagues.

Which one of KIUC’s Ho‘oka‘ana Waiwai shared values most resonates with you?

Kuleana. We accept our responsibilities to our island community as a privilege. To do the right thing is a privilege I accept. Each person has both responsibility and privilege to care for and protect the land and the ‘communities to which they belong. The responsibility to take care of one another and the ‘āina is rooted in the culture in Hawai‘i and has helped me with my career in the military. Having integrity and personal courage to do the right thing isn't always easy, but by accepting your kuleana, holding yourself accountable, and being consistent in both actions and words, you build trust and strengthen relationships. Through traveling to and living in different places, my appreciation for Hawai‘i has grown and I realize how lucky I am to be born and raised on Kaua‘i. I am also grateful that the Army has allowed me to be stationed on Oahu and be so close to home