47 years of service, a lifetime of impact: NAVFAC Pacific’s Bernie Julian retires
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii — “I noticed that there were other women that were engineers, contracting officers, and I said, ‘I want to do that,” said Bernadette “Bernie” Julian, a contract specialist at Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Pacific.
At the time, Bernie was working in a clerical role when she recalled, “secretary was the thing.” Seeing women build careers in engineering and contracting inspired her to return to school, earn her degrees and pursue a route beyond the clerical pool.
After 47 years of federal service, Bernie is retiring from NAVFAC Pacific. Her career changed when she chose to move from clerical work into contracting. As a secretary in NAVFAC Pacific Contracting, she applied and transferred as a procurement clerk/technician position in NAVFAC Pacific.
Bernie went back to school and took a job at the Public Works Center (PWC) as a procurement technician. She said the move gave her a chance to learn how the field office contracting work was done.
“At PWC, procurement techs actually worked with contractors,” Bernie said. “They had their own contracts, like a mini contract specialist. That was something I wanted to learn even if I took a downgrade. I was happy I went there and learned.”
During her career, Bernie worked in several parts of the contracting field. She supported environmental work, design and construction projects, supplies and services. She also served as a branch manager for design and construction contracts work.
Jill Nii, Bernie’s supervisor, said her experience reached NAVFAC Pacific as she worked in nearly every contracting branch and helped train and guide many employees.
“I think a lot of all of you here have been touched by all of Bernie’s knowledge and her experience,” Nii said during a farewell gathering. “It made us a stronger department.”
Bernie said supporting others was an important part of her work.
“You always take care of your team,” Bernie said. “You don’t let anybody bully them, and you don’t let anybody bully you.”
James “Jimmy” Miyamoto, NAVFAC Pacific deputy operations officer and a longtime friend, said he watched Bernie grow during her career.
“Energetic, gregarious, very vocal Bernie—that wasn’t her back then,” Miyamoto said. “She was new, she was very quiet, she was learning.”
Miyamoto said Bernie’s work helped public works teams do their jobs. “We really can’t do it without contracting,” he said.
Bernie’s family formed her view of work and service. Her sisters-built careers in business, while her brothers and father served in the military.
“My sisters were in corporate, and my brothers were in the military,” Bernie said. “My dad was in the military, too, so I kind of grew up around it.”
In retirement, Bernie plans to spend time with her children and grandchildren. She also plans to travel to Japan, Korea, Alaska and Africa.
“For 47 years, you’re always working,” Bernie said. “Now it’s my time.”
Still, leaving NAVFAC Pacific will not be easy.
“I was driving into work and me retiring is all surreal. This is like home,” Bernie said. “When you’ve been here for so long, and you work with great people, it’s really hard to say goodbye.”
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
