RICHMOND, Va. – When Linda Jones-Johnson stepped forward May 9 to accept her 40-year service pin and certificate from Brigadier General Sean Tyler, Air Force commander, Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, the recognition for four decades of service was evident. Her career, marked by significant accomplishments and critical decisions, was marked by unwavering support from the Department of Defense.

Jones-Johnson was born in Petersburg, Virginia, the youngest of eight children. Her first jobs were beautifying her neighborhood and engaging with local youth. That sense of community landed her a summer job at Fort Gregg-Adams, formerly Fort Lee, in 1984. That position paved the way for her long career at DLA, where she joined eight months later.

When Jones-Johnson thinks back to her early days at DLA, she remembers the difficult conditions at what was then the Defense General Supply Center in Richmond, Virginia.

“It was dirty, hot in the summer, cold in the winter and management didn’t exactly treat the employees with respect,” she said.

Despite these initial hurdles, her dedication never wavered. Jones-Johnson navigated a variety of roles, from GS-2 Shipping Clerk to Quality Assurance Specialist in the Proactive Support department, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and dedication to her duties. As her career at DLA progressed, she took on increasing responsibilities, from setting national stock levels to leading teams as a GS-11 Work Lead for consumables cataloging.

“Working as a cataloger was the most challenging for me,” Jones-Johnson said. “Some days I went home and wondered if I would survive because I had to study, write and communicate with customers so much every day.”

Through these tough experiences and the support of her mentors and family, she honed her skills and strengthened her determination.

Over the years, the DLA landscape has changed significantly, moving from paper-based operations to sophisticated digital processes.

“Technology has changed tremendously,” Jones-Johnson said. “We had so much paperwork to deal with, using punch card machines and sending paperwork through FedEx and United Postal Service. The transition to working on computers was a great feeling.”

Jones-Johnson has witnessed and adapted to these changes, focusing on the mission to efficiently support and supply military operations. Her tenure has been marked by memorable collaborations and projects, such as working on product center teams, which she describes as “a true work family that strives to achieve work goals as a team.”

Despite occasional desires to leave government work, crucial moments and decisions remained with her at the agency.

“I told my parents that when I graduated from college, I was going to leave and start a new career,” she recalled. Their prayers and support convinced her to stay and “stick it out.” That decision was confirmed when she was promoted from the depot to the center of the Defense General Supply Center.

Her greatest achievements include being named Employee of the Month and Employee of the Quarter in the same year and recently being awarded the pin for her 40th anniversary with the company.

“Many people don’t make it this far,” she said. “I thank God for allowing me to have this honor.”

Looking ahead, Jones-Johnson anticipates more changes at DLA, particularly the integration of new technologies that will dramatically change the agency’s day-to-day operations. As retirement approaches, she plans to enjoy family life and eventually help raise her grandchildren.

For those starting their career at DLA, Jones-Johnson offers simple but profound advice: “Always put God first, never forget where you started, strive to be the best worker/employee you can be, share your knowledge and skills with others, treat people as you would like to be treated, with dignity and respect, and put yourself in the customer’s shoes.”