Johnson reflects on her time at AEDC and her next journey

  • Published
  • By Janaé Daniels
  • AEDC/PA
Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn. --  Gloria Johnson reflects on time at AEDC

ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. - Gloria Johnson, Education and Training technician is hanging up her AEDC hat later this month and beginning another chapter in her life - retirement.

"I look at my life as seasons and this is a transition, retiring after 20 years of service," she said. "This season is over and I am ready for the next."

Johnson's plan for the next season is to do what she loves to do and that is serving Jesus Christ through ministry and community service. Her husband James is retired from the Air Force and plans to retire from his current position with Alabama A&M Research Institute.

"Our plan is to retire from our jobs and do full-time ministry at the church he pastors in Decherd."

Jokingly, Johnson said her husband will work full-time at the church and she will be his administrative assistant. The Johnsons hope to spend more time with their seven grandchildren and an eighth arriving in March.

The west Tennessee native never planned on a life involved in the military but embraced it as it came.

"From the time I was in high school I always liked science. I imagined myself being a lab technician or something along that line," she said. "I never pictured myself as 'married with children.'"

However, she did marry and has been married for 40 years with biological twin sons and two through guardianship.

Her first opportunity for federal service came when she and her husband were stationed at Royal Air Force (RAF) Bentwaters, England, where she worked as a temporary position with the Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DoDDS), RAF Woodbridge High School, as secretary to the guidance counselor.

Her first permanent position came when they were stationed at Zweibrücken, Germany and she worked for the Department of the Army. When her husband was assigned to the Inspector General team at Norton AFB, Calif., she began her career with the Department of the Air Force.

Johnson started her AEDC career in 1993 as a government civilian when her husband was assigned to the security police flight. After he retired in 1997, they decided to stay in the area.

"Most of my federal career has been at Arnold," she said, "and it has all been in the Personnel Directorate."

As she closes this season of her life, Johnson says what she will miss most are the people.

"I will miss my co-workers the most, current and former," she said. "In the past 16 plus years, I have seen most of them more than I have seen some family members. I had the opportunity to work with some great folks at AEDC: civilian, military and contractor.

"As far as I'm concerned, Network Control rules ... I was always calling them for something and the staff in graphics did a superb job in helping us decorate our office after the renovation. My relationship with FM became up-close and personal thanks to PK and the government purchase card. I was able to do my job because others did theirs. Anyone can look good when they have someone supporting them. Thanks Team AEDC."

Faye Ford, an ATA purchasing agent, buyer and secretary of the Black Awareness Community Coalition (BACC) has known Johnson for years and has served on several committees with the BACC.

"She always wears a smile, and is willing to give a helping hand," Ford said.

Jeannie McFaddin, chief of Education and Training, thinks Johnson is a wonderful lady of character who places her priorities in God and family.

"Gloria was the primary person that held the Education & Training Office together during her tenure. Gloria is the best troubleshooter I have ever worked with," McFadden said. "She is a sweetie and loves sharing sweets with her customers and Team DP. God bless her and her family and I thank her for her service to God, country and family."

Johnson said she is glad she is retiring and also glad she was at AEDC.

"My whole experience with DoDDS, the Department of the Army and Air Force has been a teaching vehicle for me and it's something I wouldn't have learned by just taking Microsoft office classes," she said. "I have learned a lot in just working here that I can use after I retire. This has been more than just a paycheck - it's been a sense of satisfaction that I accomplished something and when I go home at the end of the day I feel good about what I've done."