Here's how you know
 **Official websites use .mil** .mil
 **Secure .mil websites use HTTPS** lock () https://


Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 Toggle navigation
                
                Defense Logistics Agency
                        The Nation's Combat Logistics Support Agency
                    DLA
            Search
                        Search Defense Logistics Agency:
                            Search
                    Search Defense Logistics Agency:
                        Search
    Home

    What DLA Offers
    
        Excess Property Disposal

    Document Services

    Products

    Services

    Programs

    Working With DLA
    
        Applications

    Small Business

    Federal and International Cataloging

    Defense Data Standards

    Events

    Procurement Policies

    Government Programs

    Forms

    Organizations
    
        DLA Headquarters

    DLA Aviation

    DLA Disposition Services

    DLA Distribution

    DLA Energy

    DLA Land and Maritime

    DLA Troop Support

    DLA CENTCOM & SOCOM

    DLA Europe & Africa

    DLA Indo-Pacific

    Customer Support
    
        Self Help Tools

    How to Order

    Find Your Order

    Customer Facing Offices

    Training

    Brochures

    Warfighter Support

    Customer Service Management

    Careers

    About DLA
    
        Contact Us

    Locations

    Leaders

    News

    History

    Media Gallery

    DLA Campaigns  Home
  About DLA
  News
  News Article View
 News
 PaCE Spotlight: Sara Gorham By Cory Harter
                DLA Disposition Services Pathways to Career Excellence Program
 Sara Gorham is a current member of Pathways to Career Excellence Program Group 46, which began in 2023. For her second year in the PaCE Program, she will remain at Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services Headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan, in the Hazardous Waste Disposal Contracting department. **Why did you first apply to the PaCE Program?** **Photo of female with flag background
        Official photo of Sara Gorham
            Official photo of Sara Gorham

            SHARE IMAGE:

                Download Image
                    Image Details
                    
                    Photo By: Jace Armstrong
                    
                    VIRIN: 240528-D-D0441-0003**My application to the PaCE Program was heavily encouraged by my previous supervisor, a colleague who trained me, and a mentor. While training me as an Environmental Protection Technician in DLA Disposition Services Hazardous Waste Contracting, my trainer was in the beginning stages of the onboarding process for PaCE group 42 and able to answer my questions about the program. Those discussions helped me understand that participation in the program aligned with my career goals and interests. **What was your position before coming to the PaCE Program?** My first experience with DLA was as a federal service contractor working in the DLA Customer Interaction Center where I provided technical support for all the Major Subordinate Commands, vendors and potential vendors. My first role as an employee with DLA was as an environmental protection technician or manifest tracker as we are referred to in the Contracting Directorate. **What have been your favorite parts of the PaCE Program?** The opportunity to attend overviews of the different functional areas of Disposition Services and meet the employees in those areas. My experience in the CIC taught me more about the other MSCs and very little about Disposition Services, so I appreciate learning more about our MSC and where my piece fits in the puzzle. **Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?











Female with safety vest checking garment
        PaCE Spotlight Sara Gorham
            Sara Gorham checking property at the Tucson, Arizona site.

            SHARE IMAGE:

                Download Image
                    Image Details
                    
                    Photo By: Robin Rogers
                    
                    VIRIN: 240528-D-D0441-0004** I have only worked in administrative roles for DLA, so our first site visit and getting my hands dirty while working in the warehouses has been a valuable experience. From our desks at Disposition Services Headquarters, we can forget that each turn-in presents unique challenges and there is not always a one-size-fits-all solution. It was good to see what some of those challenges look like in a practical application, I will take that better understanding with me in my future roles when supporting our colleagues in the field. While I was working in the demilitarization warehouse in Tucson, Arizona, we received ballistics glass panels from Humvees with spider-webbed indentations from bullets that had been shot at the vehicle, a stark reminder of the dangers our customers face daily and reinforcement of the honor it is to support those who serve our country. **If there was one thing that could’ve been different for you in the PaCE Program, what would it be?** The only thing I feel like we are missing is more hands-on experience in the first year. I understand we get that in our second year, but it would be beneficial to have some practical experience after each training class we take to help reinforce what we are learning. **What would you say is the most important quality to succeed in the PaCE Program?** A genuine interest in learning and gaining new experiences. **In your own words, how would you describe the PaCE Program, and what can you gain from it?** The PaCE Program is an excellent professional development program for anyone who has the desire for career progression, but it is especially beneficial for those who have a goal of professional leadership. The trainings, overviews, and job shadows provide valuable knowledge and insight that most new employees, even senior leaders, are not afforded during their onboarding phase, providing a clear path for limitless advancement in the agency. **What is your background prior to working for DLA?** Prior to working for DLA, I worked as a project coordinator for a national automotive inspection agency, as a financial aid specialist at a community college, and as a vault teller at a bank. My educational background is in English, which will benefit me as I write contracts in the future. **What are your plans for your future in the agency?** As I mentioned, it has always been a goal of mine to become a contracting officer, after I achieve that goal, the sky is the limit! I have a passion for learning and trying new things, and the PaCE Program has really shown me that I can leverage my skills and talents in many areas of the agency.  *Editorial Note: The Pathways to Career Excellence Program for DLA Disposition Services is a two-year program that takes PaCErs through all of Disposition Services and its processes to learn as much as possible about the directorate. The first year takes place at DLA Disposition Services Headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan, and the second year either takes place in Battle Creek for Contracting PaCErs or at an assigned field site for Property Disposal PaCErs. PaCErs begin as general schedule 7s, move to GS-9s at the end of their first year, and graduate the program as GS-11s. There are multiple pathways to becoming a PaCEr, including being hired internally, as a recent graduate, or from military service.*
 SHARE
 PRINT
 Related Stories PaCE spotlight: Philip Shands
  PaCE Spotlight: Barry Greene
  PaCE Spotlight: Cory Harter
 DLA DS Employee Spotlight Careers DS People and Culture DS PACER/Intern DS
 Contact UsSite IndexStrategic PlanDLA IG HotlineFOIANo FEAR ActWhistleblower ProtectionDLA CareersImagesWebmasterEEOSection 508Public AffairsSAPRExternal Links DisclaimerDOD Information Quality GuidelinesPrivacy/SecurityUSA.govDOD Web PolicyDOD Open GovernmentPlain Language
                    Stay Connected
            
            

Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil