PASCAGOULA—From the armed services to the civilian world, Veteran Richard Jeffery Barnes has spent his entire career leading a life of service to the Country and others, something that he inherited from his father.
“I felt the need to serve, and my father had served during the Vietnam War,” U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jeff Barnes said. “I joined during my senior year in high school in December of 1984 and left for boot camp upon graduation in May 1985.”
For 20 years, Barnes served the U.S. Army as both active-duty and the National Guard before retiring. His active-duty experiences in the Army allowed him the opportunity to travel the world and learn about the cultures of the areas where he was stationed. He said he has many memories of his time and travel.
“I have lots of great memories of Germany and other places I was sent,” he said. “My proudest memory is to have fought for our Country in both the Gulf War and the Iraqi War.”
Every experience is a memory, even if it brings back pain. Barnes was in combat in both the Gulf War and Iraq War where he was assigned to front line combat units. A memory he won’t forget happened on October 7, 2003.
“I was wounded in action in Iraq on October 7, 2023,” he said, recalling that his full recovery took more than 10 months. “I have absolutely no regrets about my service and would gladly do it again if called upon.”
While in the Guard, he also served the community as an officer with the Pascagoula Police Department. Upon retirement in 2015, he continued his service with the Mississippi Veterans of Foreign Wars, where he is currently serving as the State Commander.
“So, my entire life has been about service, and I will continue to serve,” Barnes said. “Being a veteran is about honor and sacrifice which you gave in the service of your Country.”
Looking back over the choices he made in his career, he said he encourages other young people to consider a career in the military.
“I encourage young men and women to join the military but to go into it with eyes wide open,” Barnes said. “The military life is a different way of life, but it is a rewarding service.”
Barnes said his true intent was to serve his Country and community, but he had some personal intentions for what he was doing.
“I have two beautiful daughters who are now 32 and 26, and my service was for them and my whole family to be safe, secure and free,” he said.
