Photo By Alexandra Broughton | Mr. Walter Lee’s dedication to service didn’t end when he took off the uniform....... read more read more
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For Walter Lee, his mission as an officer in the Air Force didn’t end when he transitioned out of uniform. His commitment carried forward in a new chapter. Now a senior civilian leader within the Air Force Civil Engineer enterprise, Lee continues to serve with the same focus and fire that shaped his years in active duty.
Lee’s inspiration to serve started early. “I grew up as an Army brat—Army Strong,” he said. With both of his parents having served in the Army, Lee was immersed in military culture from a young age. “I spent a lot of time watching them and listening to their stories,” he recalled.
It was that early exposure to the military that eventually led Lee to commission through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at North Carolina A&T State University, and he began his military career as a 32E Civil Engineer Officer at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. He spent much of his time in contingency environments, leading teams through challenging conditions and gaining firsthand experience in combat and geospatial engineering. Later, he was assigned to the Air Force Institute of Technology, where he focused on teaching young officers and immersing himself in graduate-level engineering education, an experience that foreshadowed his future focus on mentorship and workforce development.
When his time in uniform came to a close, the transition into the civilian workforce wasn’t without its challenges. Lee had to adjust to new norms and reestablish his footing, this time with a young family to support. “Before I left, I had just gotten married,” he shared, “and my wife became pregnant right after I separated; we were living on one income.” It meant starting over in many ways, but it also opened the door for new opportunities to lead and help others do the same.
Lee began his civilian journey as a GS-12 design engineer at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, bringing forward his operational knowledge and commitment to excellence. “It was divine,” he shared, “I am truly grateful the 88th Civil Engineering Group took a chance, mentoring and molding me through various opportunities.” Over time, his role expanded in scope and influence, reflecting a deepening focus on people, growth, and long-term success across the civil engineer enterprise.
Today, ten years later and at the Pentagon, as Associate Career Field Manager, Lee supports the Career Field Manager and Functional Manager in advancing strategic priorities across the civil engineer enterprise. His work spans career field education and training, workforce planning, developmental placements, and strategies for career progression.
But the core of his role goes beyond policy and paperwork, it’s about people. Whether guiding someone through a developmental program or helping clarify a complex position structure, Lee serves as a trusted mentor and sounding board. “It’s a lot of one-on-one conversations,” he explained. “Mentoring, providing career guidance, and helping people understand what the next step should be.”
The hands-on approach has made a tangible impact across the enterprise. One area where Lee has seen results is in helping installations navigate Standard Core Personnel Documents. “We’ve been able to move the needle,” he said, “helping strategic and operational leaders understand the inner workings of how these SCPDs are developed and classified.” Lee works to demystify the process, educating teams on grading factors, supervisory chains, and how those technical elements shape job classification.
Beyond clarifying roles, this process serves as a powerful retention tool. When employees take on significant responsibilities or lead others, they want to see that reflected in their position. By helping personnel understand how classification decisions are made and what factors drive those outcomes, Lee empowers them with a sense of direction, transparency, and purpose. These are key drivers of long-term motivation.
Motivation runs deep for Lee as well. He doesn’t view his work as simply addressing today’s challenges, but as a long-term investment in the future of the career field. What drives him is a firm belief in the enduring value of civil engineering, and a commitment to keeping it a vital, respected, and forward-looking force across the Air Force.
“I get to work alongside the current and next generation warfighters, who will carry on the mantle and influence the next legacy of Civil Engineering,” he said. “I get to be a part of molding the next generation warfighter for increased lethality. That is what keeps me proud.”
His dedication is both personal and professional. “I have a vested interest,” he said. “Not only do I have battle scars from living it these past nearly two decades, but more importantly, I don’t want the career field to lose its relevance in the midst of change. I believe, and know, what we bring to the fight is irreplaceable.”
The core of civilian service for Lee is the opportunity to adapt, contribute in different ways, and stay connected to the mission. Whether advising, mentoring, planning, or guiding teams, Lee brings a flexibility that reflects the strengths civilians offer across the military: creativity, perspective, and a shared commitment to serve.
That sense of shared purpose fuels his work. “I'm not wearing the uniform anymore, but I'm still here,” he said. “Still in the fight. Just in a different way.”
As he looks ahead, Lee remains focused on keeping the civil engineer career field strong, relevant, and ready for whatever comes next. “I want to ensure that the civil engineer fire continues to brightly burn.”
| Date Taken: | 05.27.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.27.2025 11:21 |
| Story ID: | 498932 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 229 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, All Hands On Deck: Walter Lee, Jr. Keeping the CE Fire Burning, by Alexandra Broughton, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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