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News | May 11, 2022

Employee Reflection: Cheryl L. Cardoza

Disposal Service Specialist, DLA DS Jacksonville, Florida

Selfie of female
Get to know this property disposal specialist from Florida.
Selfie of female
Employee Reflections: Cheryl Cardoza
Get to know this property disposal specialist from Florida.
Photo By: DLA Disposition Services
VIRIN: 220512-D-D0441-201
Can you tell us about yourself? I have been married for 43 years, am the mother of four girls, and grandmother to five.  I am also a cancer survivor.

What do you do? 

Currently my main job is the single point of contact for our Useable Sales and alternate SPOC for Scrap Sales. I am also the POC for several bases in the local area and assist them with the turn in of property.

How long have you worked for the federal government including military service?

I have worked for the federal government a total of 44 years and a few months, which includes eight years active duty U.S. Air Force. 

How long have you worked for DLA Disposition Services?

I have worked for DLA for 33 years.

What is your favorite memory with DLA Disposition Services?

I can’t say any one memory since there have been so many. But I can say the people – I have met some of the most amazing people since I have been with DLA.

What aspect(s) of your current job gives you the most personal satisfaction?

When I can help someone find what they need to do their job.

What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?

If you must do something, do it to the best of your ability. Make a difference.

What kind(s) of training and education helps your work performance in your current role? 

Besides the training I have received in the classroom, my LMS training, my MHE training and OJT.

What would you say has been your major contributions to your organization this year in your job?

I would say in addition to my everyday work, the training I give to all the MHE operators on-site.

If you could speak directly to the warfighters you support, what would you tell them?

If you need something give us a call to see if we can find it.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

In five years from now I am hoping to be retired and living my best life.

Tell us something that most people might not know about you or your directorate?

I’ve worked in multiple fields within DLA. I’ve been a GS-1107, GS-029, GS-028, GS-0343 and finally a GS-1104.

What is your best memory of working here?

All the support I received when I was fighting cancer, and the support I am currently getting while I support my husband who is battling cancer.

What was your first job?

My first job was a server at a catering hall.

Who’s your biggest influence?

I would have to say my mom. While raising eight kids, she still maintained a fulltime job and raised us all to be productive individuals.

Name your favorite/recent book(s) you have read. 

The Wheel of Time Series (all 13) by Robert Jordan.

What are some of your passions outside of work? 

Besides family I love Harley Davidson motorcycles.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Believe it or not I wanted to be a firefighter. I didn’t become one but one of my daughters did!

Who is your hero? 

My husband Bob.

What’s the most thrilling/adventurous thing you have ever done? 

Going on our annual two week motorcycle trip and stopping when we felt like it. Living out of a saddle bag for two weeks is very exciting!