Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: My name is Lynn Roberts and I'm a Contract Specialist (1102) and have worked for the government for 39 years.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Flexibility, ability to see the world and to be part of something bigger than myself.
Q: Why did you volunteer to serve with the Deployable Cadre Program?
A: I wanted to be of use and support the mission.
Q: Describe a day on the job in the Deployable Cadre Program? How is it different from serving stateside?
A: A typical day involves long hours and some inconveniences, but I get to be closer to the warfighter and the mission. I also gain hands-on deployed experience. It's different from working stateside because I have to wear Kevlar.
Q: Can you share any unique or interesting experiences you encountered during your deployment?
A: The Afghan women asked me to wear Afghan attire and dance at their EID festival. I was also involved in the rescue of five box turtles on base and sending them to a villa outside Kabul to live.
Q: Describe what it is like to serve/work alongside the warfighter, Soldier, etc.
A: To work alongside the warfighter is to see American's finest who uncomplaining leave their families to do their jobs, go out into the field at great personal risk, who maintain a sense of humor (dark humor sometimes), support each other, and live in extreme conditions.
Q: If you can speak directly to warfighter, Soldier, what would you say to them?
A: If I could speak to these warfighters - and I have - I would tell them that I will strive not to whine about my paltry issues compared to theirs. I have the deepest admiration and respect for what I've seen them accomplish. They are appreciated and not forgotten. I will never forget them.
Q: What do you do when you are not working?
A: When I am not working I read constantly and write novels.
Q: What are 5 things you absolutely could not live without while you are deployed? What are some of the things you miss?
A: I couldn't live without my books, music, some movies, mail and telephone. Things I missed most while deployed were my family and pets, make-up, indoor plumbing and mobility.
Q: Can we give a shout out to a family member for you?
A: My two daughters, Janet G. Moriarty and Rosalie C. Geier who, despite their misgivings, gave me encouragement while I completed two deployments - one in Iraq and the other in Afghanistan.
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Related Story: Serving Alongside our Soldiers, ACC's Deployable Cadre program
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