JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center director of the A9 Studies, Analyses, Assessments and Lessons Learned Directorate has a unique perspective on the Air Force few others can match.
Leaving her hometown of Westside, Iowa, for the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1996 and graduating in 2000, Jadee Purdy served a decade on active duty before transitioning to civil service in 2010. She decided to don the uniform once more and joined the Air Force Reserve in 2012.
We asked a few questions about her life, career, and thoughts about being a member of the AFIMSC team.
Can you please tell us a little about your career leading up to this point?
“I was an active-duty Air Force civil engineer for 10 years before separating and joining civil service. After almost a three-year break in service, I learned about the Air Force Reserve (Individual Mobilization Augmentee) program and reapplied for a commission,” Purdy said.
She has served as a civil engineer squadron director and an Air Force Reserve squadron commander. Moving up and down the organizational hierarchy, Purdy sometimes accepted a downgrade to remain in civil service as her husband changed geographic assignments during his active-duty career.
“One of my favorite opportunities came through the Civilian Developmental Education program. I was selected for the Defense Senior Leader Development Program and attended the Eisenhower School at National Defense University before accepting a six-month fellowship with Amazon,” she said.
What about your new role has you the most excited?
“I’m excited by the opportunity to help AFIMSC grow and achieve its max potential. Expanded capabilities, including broader integration and optimization, have been part of AFIMSC’s vision since its inception,” Purdy said. “It’s an exciting time for us to be a part of that change. Chances to influence organizations at every level do not come around often. We are shaping our future together, and I’m so glad to be a part of it.”
What do you want the AFIMSC team to know about you?
Purdy said the Air Force benefits from everyone being their authentic self. “We are a stronger team because of our differences, and I am grateful to be a part of a team that values me for my differences,” she said. “I haven’t always felt that way, and I welcome opportunities to connect with anyone who would like my help navigating challenges with authenticity.”
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
“I have three Air Force ID cards. I’m a civil servant, Air Force officer, and military spouse. I live with my family at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, where my spouse is the 52nd Maintenance Group commander. We have three daughters ages 9, 7 and 4, and two greyhounds,” Purdy said.
What do you like most about serving in the Air Force?
She said she is not only an AFIMSC leader, she’s also a customer. She relies on the countless Air Force I&MS capabilities to support her home life and her career as an Airman in the Reserve. “As a customer, I appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback to our AFIMSC team. I love to hear the praises from our community; to hear about the great things you are doing to help make it better.”