After entering active duty he attended Initial Entry Rotary Wing Course in the UH-1H Iroquois and was chosen to transition to the then, new, UH60A Black Hawk helicopter. After successful completion of his qualification courses he attended the Maintenance Test Pilot Course for the UH-60 and was assigned to various maintenance and logistic posts in the US and overseas. After a lengthy worldwide grounding of all UH-60’s, he was appointed as one of two test pilots to begin and later oversee the successful restart of all Black Hawk flying within a major Infantry Division. He then completed the Army’s fixed wing transition course with another overseas assignment. Upon returning, he was rewarded with a highly sought after assignment flying Army and other governmental leaders in the nation’s capital.
While assigned in the national capital region he performed logistics duties, served as a company commander, and was selected by the US State Department for special assignment. He concluded his military service when recruited by a defense contractor as a test pilot. Jeff later served as a commuter airline captain on the B1900 before being hired by Northwest Airlines, now Delta Air Lines. There he has flown the DC-9, MD-80, Airbus 319/320, B757/B767, and B747 (Spring 2011) aircraft. He has been an OBAP member since 1995 and served two terms as the Midwest Region VP. He is a member of the Seventh-day Adventist church and has served as Head Deacon, Youth Usher Leader, and Adventist Youth Council Member.
He performs numerous volunteer and mentoring functions in the Detroit area at local schools, churches, and with the Tuskegee Airmen chapter. He rotates as the Director of the Detroit ACE Academy. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.