Reagan escort has Lincoln roots

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By Jonnie Taté Finn

As the nation watches Nancy Reagan mourn the death of her husband, it alsohas seen her supported by the arm of a former Nebraskan.

Reagan's escort during the weeklong farewell has been Maj. Gen. Galen Jackman, who attended high school and college in Lincoln.

"It's funny when we become adults - he's this high-profile military person, but when I think back to when we were younger, I see this snot-nosed little brother," said Lynette Mau of Martell, Jackman's older sister. "He'll always be my little brother."

Jackman escorted Reagan to her husband's funeral service in California earlier this week, and he is accompanying the body back to Washington, D.C., aboard Air Force One today. The body will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda for two days before services Friday at the National Cathedral.

Jackman, 53, commands the Military District of Washington. Among his duties are overseeing all of the ceremonies in and around the capital region with high-ranking personnel and visiting heads of state.

In a phone interview Tuesday from California, Jackman said his unit rehearses twice a year for state funerals. Reagan's death Saturday leaves four living former presidents, who also could have state funerals.

"It's challenging and rewarding and an honor for a son of Nebraska to serve and command top-notch military people who pay honor to former President Reagan," Jackman said.

Jackman's mother said her son wasn't always such a high-profile figure.

"He was an ordinary young man with an interest in becoming a soldier all of his life," Jackman's mother, Maxine, said. "He was always dedicated to the military. It was just something he always wanted to do."

Galen Jackman began high school at Lincoln East in 1965 when his parents, Maxine and Virgil, moved from Gering. His parents still live in Lincoln.

Jackman attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on an ROTC scholarship, earned a bachelor's degree in history and was commissioned out of college in 1973 as a second lieutenant in the Army.

"You can't do the things he's done and be an average Joe," U.S. Navy Media Spokesman Ohene Gyapong said. "He's recognized as someone of high caliber, and he's a special person."

Jackman was responsible for coordinating the recent dedication of the National World War II Memorial. The general also stood at President George W. Bush's side during the 136th observation of Memorial Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery on May 31.

"He was the most ordinary kid. He always knew he wanted to make a career out of the military," Mau said. "He was a typical Nebraska boy with a dream to follow."

Reach Jonnie Taté Finn at 473-7251 or at tfinn@;journalstar.com.