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News | Oct. 19, 2016

Employee Spotlight Charles Pardee

By DLA Aviation Public Affairs

Employee spotlight regularly features outstanding non-supervisory personnel from throughout the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation and other DLA employees on Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. Organizational directors may submit names of employees they wish to feature in this column to DLA Aviation Public Affairs. For more information, call (804) 279-3139

Name: Charles Pardee

Organization:  Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Supplier Operations Original Equipment Manufacturer Directorate's Aviation Engines and Auxiliary Components Division

Years of Service: 4 years

What is your job title, and what do you do, specifically? My job title is a quality assurance specialist. I provide technical/quality expertise, determine and initiate necessary product testing, maintain item-specific data requirements and master data, and address product-related complaints. As the authority on items managed by DLA Aviation, I participate in the vendor evaluation process and function as an expert liaison for personnel agency-wide.

What do you like most about your job? I get great satisfaction in knowing that what I do directly impacts the DLA mission of supporting the warfighter.

What kind(s) of training and education helps your work performance in your current role? Coming up through the former Pathway to Career Excellence (PACER) program, I was fortunate to receive the majority of my training prior to actually doing my job. It gave me the time to understand the processes and the systems.

What aspect(s) of your current job gives you the most personal satisfaction? I actually get great satisfaction out of solving problems and knowing I’m giving the support back to the guys on the flight line. I’ve been there waiting on parts and have had to cannibalize parts from one aircraft to another because of non-availability. It’s important to know your role and how it affects the mission.

If you could speak directly to the warfighters you support, what would you tell them? Stay focused and know we are all in the fight together.

What was your first job? My first job was as a grocery bagger at Sunshine Foodway in Naples, Florida.

What advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago? I would have said to myself, “Don’t panic, retirement isn’t all that bad!”

Do you have an unfulfilled wish? Yes, I wish I was taller.

What’s your biggest pet peeve? People who don’t show respect for their country.

Who is the most influential person in your life...past or present? I would have to say that would be my father. He has always been honest and forthcoming.

What is your favorite military aircraft? Why?  The F-15 Eagle! If you have to ask why, then you wouldn’t understand.

What type of music do you most enjoy? Seeing that I have three girls, I don’t have much of a choice when it comes to music. I am stuck with listening to teenage pop music.