Girl power: Civil service employee is 'Athena' incarnate

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stacia Zachary
  • Air Armament Center Public Affairs
Greek lore tells of a goddess so fierce and influential that she protected all things associated with war, wisdom, reason and was the guardian of civilized life. She has long been an example for the modern woman to fashion herself after and the namesake for the Athena International Foundation. 

The second annual Athena Award banquet was held Sept. 25 at the Sandestin Hilton, Sandestin, Fla., honoring 17 nominees across the tri-county area of Okaloosa, Walton and Bay counties. Eglin's Shirley Pigott was ultimately selected as the recipient of the Athena Award, beating out the nominees to include the Panama City mayor, Gale Oberst.

"That was a super group of ladies to be included with as a nominee," said Ms. Pigott, Air Armament Center Public Affairs community relations director. "I am glad I didn't have to judge the event; it was tough competition I was up against!" 

Ms. Pigott has worked as a Civil Service employee for the Department of Defense for more than 30 years. After following her husband to his next duty station at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Ms. Pigott was hired as a secretary for a squadron commander. This job convinced her to continue to work as a civil servant. 

"I guess you could say I was sold on the idea," she said. "After coming back to the (United States), it was a lot easier to apply for another government job and I began working in Panama City for the Navy." 

From there, Ms. Pigott worked at Duke Field for a short stint before taking a job here in AAC Public Affairs community relations. 

Ms. Pigott's regular work week includes scheduling events where the local community is immersed in to the military mission; maintaining two-way communication between the Air Force and the community in which they live; and responds to requests for Air Force involvement in public events. Her involvement is so complete that many people associate Eglin with Shirley Pigott which is precisely why she was the front runner for this year's Athena Award. The award recognizes women in a business and professional setting who excel in their chosen field. 

"There are other people who were nominated and very qualified for the award," said Col. Brian Buell, AAC Chief of Staff. "That said everyone pales in comparison with (Ms. Pigott). Not as many people give as much to the community as (she). Her job is one where's she's always in the mix and without fail, (Ms. Pigott) always shines a good light on Eglin and its supportive community." 

With no plans in the near future to say farewell to government work, Ms. Pigott looks toward the newest challenges and expectations within the military and civilian communities. 

"I love my job," she said. "I like dealing with the military and helping them interact with the community. So, as long as the work is still enjoyable, I'll still be working behind my desk making sure community relations is successful here." 

As a Civil Service employee for more than 30 years, Ms. Pigott has seen a lot of changes, not only publicly but within the military itself. 

"When I first began working, I used a typewriter and telephone to do work -- and my workload was definitely less," Ms. Pigott explains. "I wouldn't say the military is smarter, but more accessible and organized. My workload has definitely increased with the addition of the computer, voicemail and the fax machine. The world has sped up in the last 30 years and I enjoy seeing what we can do next."