Colonel Debbie J. Jacobsmeier is the 185th Air Refueling Wing Medical Group Commander. In this role, she is responsible for ensuring the medical readiness of nearly 1000 Airmen for mobilization, operational deployments and Joint Force Exercises.
Colonel Jacobsmeier earned her commission through Reserve Commissioned Officer Training at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala in 2008. She has served as the 185th Medical Group Health Services Administrator and as the Medical Readiness Officer. When she initially enlisted she worked as a Pharmacy Technician and later also worked as an Optometry Technician.
Colonel Jacobsmeier served as a medical administrative officer as part of the Air National Guard’s Innovative Readiness Training, administering no-cost medical care for medically underserved people in Puerto Rico. She also served as part of the national response to COVID-19, working in a joint environment in close coordination with the Iowa Department of Human Services. As a traditional guard member Colonel Jacobsmeier is a cytologist where she works in a university hospital setting.
EDUCATION
1990 NCO Prep Course, Des Moines, Iowa
1993 Bachelor of Science in of Zoology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
1994 NCO Academy, by correspondence
1995 Associate Degree in Pharmacy, Community College of the Air Force
1995 Associate Degree in Optometry, Community College of the Air Force
1995 ASCT Board Certified Cytotechnologist, Mercy School of Cytotechnology, Des Moines, Iowa
2006 Master of Business Administration, St Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa
2007 Senior NCO Academy, by correspondence
2011 Squadron Officer School (SOS), Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2019 Air Command and Staff College (ACSC), Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2021 Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
ASSIGNMENTS
April 1988 – February 1992 Pharmacy NCOIC 185th Medical Group, Sioux City Iowa
February 1992 – April 2008 Optometry NCOIC 185th Medical Group, Sioux City Iowa
April 2008 – December 2021 Health Services Administrator, Medical Readiness Officer, 185th Medical Group, Sioux City Iowa
December 2021 – Present Commander, 185th Medical Group, Sioux City, Iowa
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Army Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal with 6 oak leaf clusters
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant April 5, 2008
Captain April 5, 2010
Major May 3, 2014
Lieutenant Colonel June 27, 2018
Colonel December 4, 2022
(Current as of December 2022)