JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Get to know a Civilian offers the opportunity for Joint Base Charleston members to read the highlights of a civilian's professional and personal life, goals and aspirations. Get to know a Civilian is to be followed by Get to know a Sailor and then Get to know an Airman. This provides a way for our readers to gain insight on their fellow co-workers who may work on either side of the base, and perhaps find a new place to eat!

Name: Elizabeth 'Libby' Billham

Pay Grade: Civilian, GS-11

Unit/Job: 628th Contracting Squadron, Services Flight contracting officer for both small and large dollar contracting actions.

Age: 59

Married? Yes. I am married to Senior Master Sgt. (Ret.) Darrell J. Billham, who I met while serving in the active-duty Air Force.

Children: I have a daughter, Renee Billham and a stepson, Darrell G. Billham. I also have two awesome grandchildren, Amber Billham and Brian Billham.

Pets: I have a Maine Coon cat named "Annie" after Little Orphan Annie. She appeared on my doorstep one morning and chose to never leave; I think she adopted me.

Favorite Activity: I love to travel and plan to do lots of that after I retire Oct. 31, 2010. But I can truly say that after serving 37 years of combined military and civilian service, my passion and heart is to do all I can to support our men and women who have served and are still serving in our armed forces through the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Favorite Quote: "Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living." - Albert Einstein

Favorite place to eat in town: On my back porch enjoying one of my husband's grilled steaks.

What is one thing you are proud to have accomplished while at Joint Base Charleston? I am so very proud to have worked with one of the greatest contracting squadrons in the Air Force. It is very rewarding to me to work with all our Joint Base Charleston customers. I am so proud to have the opportunity to purchase the services and items that are necessary to meet their vital missions.

What has been your favorite assignment in the military? Charleston Air Force Base. I arrived at Charleston in 1978 while on active duty in the Air Force. I have a special place in my heart for Charleston because of the warm hospitality of the area and great friends I have made here. My husband and I met at Charleston and we will retire here.

Favorite task within your specialty/rate: Within the contracting career field, I think the most important task is to be able to keep the communication lines open. I have always enjoyed meeting my customers and establishing a working-team relationship to assure them our squadron's support. By having that attitude, I have made many great long-lasting friends and met many outstanding people.

If you were the Secretary of the Air Force for one day, what would you do? I would do all I could to support our retired veterans and to protect their benefits that they are so rightfully due. Veterans have served us well and protected our rights and freedoms while sacrificing their lives and fortunes to serve in the United States military. We must to do all we can to support the legislation that will preserve the veteran's benefits into their retirements.