Sergeant Rujanie Jordan enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1976 in Lawton, Oklahoma. Her initial duty assignment took her overseas to RAF Lakenheath in England, United Kingdom, where she served as an Administrative Specialist, her primary Air Force specialty. In this role, she gained valuable international experience while working directly for the Squadron Section Commander, Colonel Albert R. L. Schmidt, of the 48th OMS Fighter Wing.
 
While stationed at RAF Lakenheath, Sgt. Jordan distinguished herself through both professional excellence and personal valor. She was recognized as a Small Arms Expert and was a recipient of the Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, reflecting her high level of proficiency and discipline. In addition, she earned the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the Air Force Longevity Service Award in recognition of her exemplary conduct, efficiency, and faithful service. She was also awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for her heroic actions in saving the life of an individual experiencing a heart attack.
 
Sgt. Jordan completed her Air Force military service at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma before continuing her career in federal service. She began with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Mississippi and later served with the Department of Defense. She concluded her federal career with positions in the Department of the Interior in Virginia and in Defense Procurement in Dallas, Texas.