HILL AFB, Utah – Caralee "Cara" Pritchett, a management analyst in the Engineering Office at the 309th Aircraft Maintenance Group, Ogden Air Logistics Complex, brings 15 years of government service experience to her role. Cara has been with the complex for four years, joining in March 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Originally from California, Cara has a diverse background. She spent eight years with the IRS and before moving to Alaska with her then-husband, an Air Force member. In Alaska, she transitioned to the Department of Defense from a stay-at-home mom to a legal secretary and later to a maintenance group secretary at Eielson Air Force Base.
Cara's responsibilities at the complex include managing task orders and administrative duties for the AMXG engineering. "My role involves much more than secretarial work," Cara said. "I'm the administrator for our process order system and handle numerous other tasks."
Cara's journey to Utah involved multiple relocations, including stints in Montana and Arizona. She considers Layton, Utah, her hometown, having spent most of her childhood and schooling years there.
Outside of work, Cara is a dedicated single mom to her 17-year-old daughter, Sage, and her 13-year-old son, CJ. She is heavily involved in her children's lives, often found at the Ogden Ice Sheet supporting her son's hockey activities. "I'm a hockey mom," Cara said. "I spend a lot of time at the ice rink for my son's games."
In her free time, Cara enjoys golfing and paddleboarding. She humorously notes that she avoids standing up on the paddleboard to prevent falling into the water. Her love for the outdoors extends to hiking, camping, and exploring Utah's beautiful landscapes.
One of Cara's most memorable moments at the complex was her first week on the job, which coincided with an earthquake and the onset of COVID-19 lockdowns. "It was a chaotic start," Cara recalled. "But it taught me a lot about resilience and adaptability."
Professionally, Cara is proud of her rapid progression within the Department of Defense, advancing from a GS-5 to a GS-11 in just six years. She is currently working on her Green Belt and Brown Belt certifications in Lean Six Sigma, with aspirations for a Black Belt to further her career.
"My greatest achievement is my children," Cara said. "But professionally, advancing through the grades so quickly is something I'm really proud of."
Cara's motivation to excel in her career stems from her dedication to providing for her children and her enjoyment of work. Her guiding mantra, "Stronger than you think," reflects her determination and strength in overcoming challenges.
For Cara, working at the Ogden Air Logistics Complex is more than just a job; it's a place where she finds fulfillment and purpose. Her story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and dedication, making her a valuable member of the complex.