Aviano's Finest - U.S. Civilian Category

  • Published
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Unit: 31st Contracting Squadron

First & Last Name: Denise Jackson

Duty Title: Chief, Plans and Programs

How long have you worked for the military? 11 years

Hometown City, State and/or Country: Denver, Colo.

How do you support the 31st Fighter Wing mission?
Behind the scene team player ensuring the Procurement System is up and running 24 hours, seven days a week, providing 100 percent customer support and satisfaction. I also, oversee the Best USAFE Government Purchase Card Program, ensuring cardholders and approving officials are adequately trained and 100 percent surveillance performed guaranteeing a fraud free program. Internal processes enable great flexibility when purchasing with GPC, resulting in reduced expenditures by cutting purchasing timeframes in half. Directs the Quality Assurance Program worth $45 million making sure the 31st FW receives the best for your taxpayer money.

What's one thing you've learned about Italy's history, people and culture?
I have learned from my Italian co-workers and neighbors how to slow down from the fast pace of life and to relax more, spend more quality family time, take my siestas, and of course enjoy the variety of vino this country has to offer.

What's one advantage of being stationed overseas?
The best advantage for me is having been afforded the opportunity to live and experience different cultures and languages. Not too many people can say they lived in another country besides the U.S.

What's your favorite European destination and why?
My favorite European destination is Florence. Good food and lots of shopping!

Why I nominated Mrs. Jackson as one of Aviano's Finest?
 "DJ leads the Plans and Programs Flight. Their efforts are the heart of the contracting squadron, and we simply could not succeed without their hard work and diligence. DJ's attitude and leadership make it happen. The flight receives consistent and widespread praise. From the individual GPC holders all the way to USAFE/A7K, seemingly everyone acknowledges that 31 CONS LGCP is one of the best flights in USAFE." - Maj. Calvin Hodgson 31st Contracting Squadron