# DLA Distribution Richmond, Virginia’s Willard retires from government service

/ Published Feb. 27, 2023
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa., 
Environmental Protection Specialist Charles E. Willard of Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Richmond, Virginia, is retiring from government service at the end of this month. Willard is retiring with 28 years of service – having served 16 years with DLA.

Willard, an Army veteran, served in uniform for three years as an Army specialist in Cannon Fire Directions. His first civilian government job was with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers where he spent four years as an engineering technician and construction representative in quality assurance.

Willard has also worked with the U.S. Postal Service, and as a police officer in the Department of the Army. He transitioned from the Army to DLA as a police officer in 2002.

Willard transitioned from police officer to an environmental protection specialist within his first two years with the agency.

In his 16 years with DLA, Willard said modernization is the one thing that stands out during his career.

“The move toward a modernization of business systems and focus on managing DLA’s services similar to the private sector model approach has been the biggest change at Defense Logistics Agency I have experienced.”

Versatility was the key to Willard’s success.

“Being willing to be versatile with career fields/positions/duties and not restricting myself to one expertise. Staying open to new challenges and engaging myself in varying tasks outside my comfort zone.”

Willard imparted the following advice to anyone wanting to work with DLA. “To be open to everything DLA has to offer and take advantage of the training opportunities. Don’t get stifled in one area and if you’re able – move around within the agencies’ various career fields if necessary.”

Working in DLA gave Willard the ability to have a balanced life, he said. “It gave me the opportunity to follow my wife’s military career and retirement and I was able relocate several times within the government. It also allowed me to be stable in one final location to help care for my parents and family.”

“It’s also an opportunity to continue to serve our country and confidence in a stable career with a retirement/pension – which has become a rare benefit within the private sector,” noted Willard.

If he had to guess, Willard said the highlight of his DLA career was the comradery and professionalism.

“Being a significant part of a larger group of peers who collectively have made DLA Richmond, Virginia, an outstanding and successful environmental program and management system, and having the opportunity to be in a law enforcement capacity for DLA and DOD which opened up many great experiences with criminal and gang investigators, special reaction team and a diverse group of great people.”

The individuals in our agency are a critical key to the success of the armed forces and for them to really understand that we work very hard to support the warfighter. It has been a pleasure and honor to serve my government in all my various careers. It will be hard to let go of this and adjust to a very different chapter of my life,” Willard said.