- May 2, 2024
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Upon graduating from Navy boot camp, Devrie Paradowski attended technical training at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, to study meteorological observations and aviation forecasting. Her first assignment was at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where she completed qualifications to become a weather forecaster and was promoted to petty officer second class while still finding time to volunteer at the local elementary school. In 2003, Paradowski received orders to Keflavik, Iceland, a NATO air base. She supervised a watch team of three sailors responsible for providing weather and related information to two rescue squadrons, allied forces and transient aviators. Her assignment additionally included working in a joint-forces team with the U.S. Air Force at Keflavik, providing support for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Once again, despite the demands of her military duties, Paradowski volunteered at the NATO forces elementary school in Keflavik, teaching students about the weather. She also wrote articles for the base newspaper. Paradowski's collateral duties included liaison as command financial specialist, assisting Navy personnel and their families with navigating housing options and family support resources while assigned in Keflavik and during permanent change of station. Following her honorable Naval service, Paradowski put her veterans benefits to work and obtained several degrees including a master’s in public administration. She returned to her roots in Flagler County, and utilizes her skills learned in the Navy, along with her advanced education, to serve her community as the county's housing program manager.
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