NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
Defense Logistics Agency Distribution’s Jerry W. Padgett is retiring from government service having served nearly 59 years of civilian and military service.
“The men and women of DLA Distribution, at all levels, are professionals that continuously strive to provide the best possible support with available resources to all our customers. They are continuously seeking and developing best practices to reduce costs while improving quality and timeliness of distribution products and services.”
Padgett has held numerous positions with DLA, both active duty and civilian, around the world.
A retired Air Force colonel, he served in uniform for 42 and a half years. He began his Air Force career as an enlisted airman and transitioned over to the officer side after serving 14 years and 11 months. He then served 27 years and 7 months as an officer.
“I was an E-7 Master Sergeant, with a line number for E-8 Senior Master Sergeant when commission in June 1978, and was an O-6/colonel at retirement in January 2006. I did not directly serve in any special operations; however, I did support Vietnam Campaign Operations, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom.”
As an officer, Padgett served two years as the commander of Defense Distribution Depot Columbus, Ohio, June 1995 thru June 1997, one year as deputy director for customer operations and Air Force advisor at DLA Defense Supply Center, Richmond Virginia, from March 2003 thru March 2004, and nearly two years as the director for Aviation Supplier Operations at DLA’s Defense Supply Center in Richmond, Virginia, from March 2004 to January 2006.
Padgett, a supervisory distribution facilities specialist in DLA Distribution’s Business Development directorate, served 17 years and one month of federal service, all with DLA Distribution. His civilian positions include chief of operations at DLA Distribution Europe, chief of operations DLA Distribution Warner Robins, Georgia, and as a Business Development Project Manager with DLA Distribution headquarters.
Padgett shared his observations on changes in support to military over the length of his career.
“Changes that come to mind are increased and supported variety in the military and federal Service; women achieving higher level leadership positions; increased opportunities and support for higher levels of education; and IT/technology improving processes and analytics for material projections and needed support for current and future mission requirements.”
Padgett also noted what he believes were the keys to his career success.
“Opportunities to increase logistics skills, experience, and knowledge and taking advantage of the many opportunities to complete higher levels of education.
Padgett shares the following advice for those coming into federal service.
“Become extremely proficient as quickly as possible in your duty assignment positions, looking for ways to continuously improve your professional skills, experience, and knowledge. Embrace new opportunities to expand your knowledge and experience in your career field and profession – always give 100+ percent … and seek advice, guidance, and assistance from your seniors and provide it to junior team-members.”
Padgett attributes much of his success to many of what he considers outstanding leaders he served with during his career.
“I have been fortunate to have had great supervisors/leaders in every assignment from first enlisted to final commissioned and federal service positions that supported and encouraged me to seek additional and higher levels of responsibility. That includes my federal service managers over the past 17 years – Bob King, former DLA Distribution Warner Robins, Georgia, Debra McBeath, former deputy director of DDWG, and Joe Faris, director of DLA Distribution Business Development.”
While he has served in many positions and various levels of federal service, Padgett said his time at DDWG was a high point.
“Being part of the DLA Distribution Warner Robins transition from contractor to government operations and its stand-up as a strategic distribution platform in 2007 was a highlight of my career.”
While Padgett said working at DLA Distribution meant that he could continue supporting the military forces in a place where his logistic knowledge could support a federal service career after retirement from the military, it was his work relationships that gave a lasting impact.
“My military and federal service has provided an exciting life for me and my family,” said Padgett. “It has also provided educational opportunities that would not have been available for me had I not been in the military and federal service.
Summarizing his federal service career in and out of uniform Padgett said, “I have had an exciting life in a respected logistics profession that encouraged continuous learning and educational development, provided travel and opportunities to experience other country cultures and earn sufficient benefits for a comfortable life in retirement.”