PHOENIX - Defense Contract Management Agency West Phoenix employees gathered Oct. 29 to recognize Valerie A. Edwards, DCMAW-Phoenix deputy director, with the presentation of her 35-year career service award.
“Valerie’s 35 years of federal service and her performance represents the best in civil service. She has dedicated herself to the service of our nation and made a positive difference each and every day,” said Army Col. John P. Conway, DCMAW-Phoenix commander. “She has also paved a legacy of competency and caring. I am proud to be associated with her, and I appreciate her professionalism and selfless dedication.”
The ceremony was held in the Contract Management Office’s commander’s conference room and attended by more than 30 of Edward’s colleagues. Edwards said working with the Department of Defense and being affiliated with the military stood out the most for her during her career.
She said her favorite assignment was working on the C-130 aircraft at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., earlier in her career. When asked about what advice she would give new employees, Edwards responded, “In order to be happy in life, you must have a passion for the work you’ve chosen so that a job isn’t just a job – it’s a commitment to something larger.”
“To be truly fulfilled, I think a person has to have a passion for what they do in all aspects of their life,” continued Edwards. “So at the end of the day, at the end of the journey, you can look back on your career and your life and say: I made a difference - the world is a better place for me having been a part of it. I would like to think that I’ve made a difference in these 35 wonderful years."