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When asked why she joined, Ssgt Jenna (Rassi) Brown tells us, “I was lost at the time, and the Army gave me a clear path to follow. My grandfather served in the Army during World War II, and he was my hero. I wanted to follow in his footsteps. I also knew I wanted to see the world and experience different cultures. The Army provided a way. And honestly, I liked the uniforms better than the other branches.”

She served in the Army as a Signal Systems Support Specialist, and her primary responsibilities involved radios and internet systems, along with basic IT support such as troubleshooting computers and printers. Throughout most of her career, she worked in administrative roles, serving in multiple orderly rooms and supporting company command teams with personnel and administrative tasks. While deployed, she was responsible for billeting operations on their Forward Operating Base, where she ensured that every service member passing through had a safe place to rest and proper, coordinated escort and oversight of local nationals who worked on the FOB. In addition, she also held staff-level communications positions across multiple units.While stationed at Fort Benning, GA, she served as the Brigade S6 for a training brigade, where she helped manage social media accounts and acted as a media liaison during multiple international training competitions.

Ssgt Jenna (Rassi) Brown served from 2006 to 2017. Her duty stations included Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Vilseck, Germany, Fort Polk, Louisiana, and Fort Benning, Georgia. She also completed two deployments to Afghanistan, where the first was OEF 07 - 09 at Bagram Airfield with the 101st Airborne Division, and the second was OEF 10 - 11 at FOB Lagman with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

During her time in service, she was awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, six Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, the NATO Medal, two Joint Meritorious Unit Awards, four Army Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. In addition, she also earned the Digital Master Gunner Badge. (way to go!)

When she was asked about leaving service, she said, “Transitioning off active duty was extremely difficult for me. While serving, I was surrounded by my brothers and sisters in arms every day. When I got out, it was just my husband, who was working a regular civilian job. I lost my sense of identity and had to figure out who I was and who I wanted to be without the Army defining that for me.” But she also knew that others had to be feeling this way. She goes on to say, “When I realized how difficult my transition was, I knew I was not alone. That realization led me to start Operation Baton Rouge. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting veterans and their families across the greater Baton Rouge area with local resources, support, and opportunities. Our mission is to make help easier to find, strengthen mental health, and build a strong, connected veteran community.” Here diligent work and dedication has led to countless veteran connections in the Baton Rouge and surrounding regions.

Ssgt Jenna (Rassi) Brown said although serving in the military was honorable, she does not consider myself a hero. She believes that being a veteran means belonging to an elite community of incredible men and women who chose to serve something greater than themselves.

Her message to the younger generation, or to anyone still working on finding their path: If you are unsure of what you want to do or who you want to be in life, I encourage you to consider the military. It helps you learn about yourself, develop discipline, and gain valuable skills. While active duty and training can be challenging, the brothers and sisters you meet along the way make it more than worth it.

Although she is originally from Illinois, her husband was born and raised in Baton Rouge, and they met while stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The first time he brought her to Baton Rouge was for a St. Patrick’s Day parade, and within the first 24 hours, she had never felt more included or welcomed anywhere else. She ends by saying, “There is something incredibly special about this community. We knew we wanted to raise our children here, and that is exactly what we are doing.”

We are so proud you are a part of our community, Ssgt Jenna (Rassi) Brown! Thank you for your service, and we salute you!

Veteran of the Week Ssgt. Jean (Rassi)Brown

Baton Rouge, LA (March 7, 2026) – A utility worker was injured after falling from an elevated work lift that caught fire while he was working above the ground in Baton Rouge.

Emergency units responded after the machinery holding the worker ignited while he was elevated during the job. A bystander’s video shows the man suspended in the air as flames spread around the equipment.

The worker appeared to struggle as he attempted to release himself from a safety harness attached to the burning machine. Flames were visible both above and below him as the fire grew.

After several moments, the worker managed to break free from the harness and fell to the ground below. Details about the worker’s injuries or the height of the fall have not been confirmed.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the incident, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We are thinking of the injured worker as he receives medical care.

Risks Associated With Elevated Utility Work Equipment

Utility workers often use aerial lifts or bucket trucks to reach power lines, poles, and other elevated infrastructure. These machines allow workers to perform maintenance or repairs safely above ground level.

While these lifts are designed with safety harness systems, working at height can still involve serious risks. Mechanical failures, electrical issues, or fuel-related problems can sometimes lead to equipment fires or other emergencies.

When a worker is secured by a harness, escaping quickly from malfunctioning equipment can become difficult. In emergency situations, workers may need to release themselves from the harness to avoid greater danger.

Because of these risks, aerial work equipment is typically inspected regularly and operated in accordance with strict safety procedures to reduce the risk of accidents during elevated work.