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# Norfolk employee climbs career ladder

By DLA Distribution Public AffairsDLA Distribution Public Affairs

                NORFOLK, Virginia  –              
Sheldon Parson, the transportation officer at Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Norfolk, Va., at Portsmouth, has served in a variety of jobs throughout his almost 15-year career.

Parson is an Army veteran who started his federal government civilian career in 1981 as a temporary motor vehicle operator for the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.  He spent two years in the temporary position, and was later rehired as a warehouse worker in supply with the shipyard. 

After two years in supply, Parson entered the apprentice program.  After a year in a production shop, he returned to supply and worked as a warehouseman until he applied for a woodworker position and was promoted.

“As a woodworker, I learned the packing and shipping trade along with the packing and transportation of hazardous material,” said Parson.  His organization then transferred to Fleet Industrial Supply Center in 1996. 

“Working in packing and shipping, I started to help book shipments for transport,” he said.  “In downtime, I studied the Defense Transportation Regulation to help me further understand the shipping process.”  

In 2007, Parson was promoted to assistant transportation officer, where he oversaw the packing and shipping operations at Norfolk Naval Shipyard – and began his climb up the career ladder.

“When my supervisor lost her long battle with cancer I oversaw additional operations, and moved into the world of supply management specialist,” Parson said.  “With the help of a good supply team, I survived the first year after being promoted to a supervisor supply management specialist.”

Two years later, the transportation officer retired.   With Parson’s transportation background and knowledge, he was selected as the transportation officer.  In 2012, the organization transferred to DLA Distribution.

DLA Distribution Norfolk, Va., at Portsmouth supports the industrial operations of Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

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