BG Jerry L. Neff was commissioned an Artillery Officer upon graduation 28 June 1964 from the Florida Army National Guard Officer Candidate School, Camp Blanding, Florida.

His most notable military assignments include: During the 1980 Mariel Boatlift from Cuba, BG Neff was responsible for finding housing for the 125,000 Cuban Immigrants who reached Florida. BG Neff commanded two Field Artillery Battalions, as well as commanded two brigades, a Field Artillery Brigade, and an Air Defense Artillery Brigade. He also commanded Camp Blanding for three and a half years, one of the most active National Guard Camps in the United States. He was promoted to Brigadier General, FLANG, on 5 November 1997, and served as the Deputy Commanding General, 32nd Army Air & Missile Defense Command.

His highest military awards include: the Legion of Merit, two awards of the Florida Cross awarded by the Governor of Florida for exceptionally meritorious service to Florida in a position of great responsibility.

Following his military career, BG Neff also rose in civilian life over 47 years in the banking industry from bookkeeping clerk to President, as well as serving on numerous, city, county, and state boards and committees as member, chairman, and president. BG Neff and his wife Judy established and funded a Scholarship at Excelsior University to support members of the U.S. Army National Guard and the U.S. Air National Guard with financial need and to date have awarded over $50,000.00.