MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- There are employees aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune who do not wear the coveted Eagle, Globe and Anchor, but still uphold those core values.
After 39 years of devoted civil service, Nancy C. Kalm, the assistant chief of staff, G-4, Marine Corps Installations East, will retire aboard base, Jan. 31 at the Marston Pavilion .
Kalm began her journey working as a Department of Defense employee holding positions in contracting, systems analysis and accounting before being transferred to the Military Enlistment Processing command, Central Sector, Ft. Sheridan Ill. as a statistician.
After being driven out of Illinois by her dislike of the snow, Kalm moved to Camp Lejeune, where she was hired as a Budget Clerk with the Communications and Electronic Division, Facilities Department.
Since working aboard a Marine Corps installation, she discovered the difference between the Marine Corps and other services.
“I think the Marine Corps is the greatest service,” said Kalm. “I’ve worked for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps and the environment aboard this base is different. I’ve gotten to know the individuals I’ve worked with over the years. The Marines and civilians I’ve worked with have been the best people I’ve ever encountered. I’m proud of the tradition and ethos of the Marine Corps. The core values not only define Marines, they define me. I uphold those valued and I absolutely love what I do.”
After marrying retired Lt. Col. Raymond W. Kalm Jr., she transferred to the Naval Air Station, Key West, Florida, but returned to Camp Lejeune in 1981 as a management analyst.
Throughout her many years of service to the military, Kalm’s objectives have always remained the same; she hoped to learn as much as she could and logistically care for as many Marines as she could.
She attended the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA. in 1989 and was selected as the operations officer for the logistics department in 1992 aboard Camp Lejeune signifying the first time a civilian or female held the position. She was later promoted to the deputy assistant chief of staff logistics.
The mission of the G-4 logistics section is to provide oversight, guidance and technical assistance services, material and transportation required for a deployed and garrison unit.
In 2001, Kalm was selected as the Senior Executive Fellow and attended the two-month program at John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass.
She was later promoted to the assistant chief of staff, business and logistics support department but the department, was later split into three and she became the assistant chief of staff for G-4 in 2005.
“The leadership style I try to follow is the golden rule; do to others as you want done to you,” said Kalm. “I try and lead the way I’d want someone to lead me. I’ve gotten some very good feedback from some of the Marines who’ve worked for me.”
When looking back on her career, Kalm declared she would never ask for anything to be different.
“I wouldn’t take it back or change anything for the world,” said Kalm. “This has truly been a career for me. I taught school before joining the civil service, and it’s a rewarding feeling because you can watch children learn and grow, but seeing what men and women are capable of accomplishing is amazing. I’ve watched Marines grow to do amazing things.”
She prides herself on being able to mentor any base employee or Marine with her work ethic.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working for the Marine Corps and hopefully contributing a little bit,” said Kalm.
She also added any successful employee should have a plan for their future.
“There are mornings where no one wants to wake up and go to work,” said Kalm. “But if you wake up every morning and aren’t happy with your job then you aren’t in the right profession. I’ve told my employees to have a five year plan, and attempt to reach their goals.”
With hopes of earning her doctorate and writing a book, Kalm looks forward to retirement.
Kalm has left her employees with the impression she will always be there for them.
“She carries a certain pride with her,” said Brian J. Vincent, deputy assistant chief of staff G-4 and retired colonel. “She’s achieved all of her goals throughout her career. Any base employee or even Marines should try to emulate her leadership skills and work ethic. She’s made it to the top. With everything she’s accomplished, I’m sure her great service to the Marine Corps will be the most memorable and important thing to her. She’s been one of the most dedicated and hardworking people I’ve ever met.”
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