Courtesy Photo | Jaclyn Sanders, Defense Contract Management Agency Palmdale quality assurance...... read more read more
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PALMDALE, Calif. - Jaclyn Sanders is a quality assurance specialist on an unmanned aerial vehicle program support team and serves as a technical training resource for others on her team. She also mentors new Keystone employees and helps them get the support they need to complete mission requirements.
“The technology I get to see is incredible, and the UAV programs I work on save lives,” said Sanders. “I’m very proud of what we do, and I feel honored to continue supporting the warfighter.”
She enlisted in the Navy in May of 2000 and was looking forward to an extensive career in the military. She was an aviation ordnance petty officer first class, who was Air Warfare, Surface Warfare qualified. At the height of her career, she was responsible for a team of 15 personnel for two weapons magazines. The weapons assembled by her team were used in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
All of that changed for Sanders in 2009 during her last assignment aboard the USS Ronald Reagan. “I planned a career in the Navy and had just reenlisted before sustaining an injury that made me unfit for duty,” said Sanders. “I had also just passed the chief exam and was prepared to submit my package for the Chief’s Board consideration.”
“This was the most stressful time in my life. I did not know what I would be qualified for that would pay an amount to cover the bills I had just signed up for with the purchase of a new home. We were worried,” she added.
Working with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Sanders was able get involved with the “Fulfilling the Commitment – Coming Home to Work” program, known as CHTW. Instead of reporting to Navy medical hold, Sanders found herself sitting behind a desk at DCMA.
The VA program, started in 2005, provides numerous opportunities for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans. Military personnel participating in the program and going through the medical separation process can work for organizations and learn job skills while still being paid by their respective military service.
“I did not receive a promise that I would be hired, but I received assistance in building a resume and job experience,” said Sanders. “I was able to start some (Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act) courses, and the DCMA team mentored me and taught me the fundamentals of the mission. I was inspired by them and encouraged.”
During a low point in Sanders’ life, she said DCMA gave her hope and provided a distraction from the anxiety of not knowing when she would discharge from the Navy. The agency also helped her learn about the jobs she could apply for with her military experience.
She considers herself fortunate DCMA had QA jobs available as she was leaving military service. She was able to obtain a job working at the same contract management office where she started the CHTW program.
“I cannot describe how much DCMA has improved my quality of life,” said Sanders. “The command climate and professionals in my office are great to work with, and I’m mentally stimulated and enjoy the challenges in the day.”
| Date Taken: | 04.23.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 05.13.2014 13:54 |
| Story ID: | 129644 |
| Location: | PALMDALE, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 91 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Sanders ‘comes home to work’, by Matthew Montgomery, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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