An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

MXS troop wins Exchange Club award

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mary Hinson
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
CHARLESTON AFB, S.C. --  A 36-year Air Force sergeant from the 315th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron was named The Exchange Club of Charleston Reserve Airman of the Year. 

Master Sgt. Jariette Mace was rewarded because of his ongoing service to the community. “It’s an honor but I would do it (volunteer) if I never got awards,” said Sergeant Mace. “It’s a part of who I am.” 

Sergeant Mace, who now calls Summerville, S.C., home, has spent the last three years vigorously helping the Good Neighbor Center, a homeless shelter in North Charleston primarily filled with veterans. 

After visiting the shelter, Sergeant Mace realized it could use all the help it could get because the shelter is supported by private donations. It was then that the sergeant sprang into action. 

Sergeant Mace began to teach financial advisory classes, take people back to church and even helped some get their drivers license. He said one of the most important things he could do was help keep their spirits from getting too far down. “I wanted them to know no matter what the situation…it was only a phase in life.” 

Fund-raising was another way Sergeant Mace volunteered. Working closely with the Charleston Air Force Base choir, he organized benefit concerts with the proceeds going to the shelter. 

Knowing the power of numbers, Sergeant Mace even got his squadron involved, convincing them adopt the shelter during the holidays. 

Aside from his endless work with the shelter, Sergeant Mace ministers to the inmates of a South Carolina correctional facility, even some who are on death row. “Someone has to minister to them also,” said the sergeant. 

As an ordained minister, Sergeant Mace works in outreach ministry, getting involved in things outside of the church, including visiting the inmates. 

Due to prison regulations, Sergeant Mace said he only works with the death row inmates four times a year for two to three hours a session but visits the general population four additional times a year. 

While the situation may seem dangerous at times, Sergeant Mace said he has never had any problems because he believes the inmates understand he is there for their sake. 

“If you don’t really have the heart and they know you don’t care, it’s just a wasted effort,” he added. “They can see if you care or not.” 

It was here he experienced one of his most touching moments. A death row inmate who he had been working with for awhile gave him a letter trying to explain his life and the mistakes he had made. “It was sending a message to young people,” he said. “The letter was so touching.” 

With what little free time he has, Sergeant Mace has managed to complete his master’s degree in Computer Resources Information Systems Management from Webster University. 

Although Sergeant Mace will be retiring from the military soon, this will have no affect on the service to his community. “We’re called to serve...called in the military and to be servants of all mankind. 

“I’ll be doing this as long as I have a breath in me.”