Our employees are what make VMS truly valuable. As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, we take immense pride in recognizing and celebrating our Veteran employees for their service to our country and their continued contributions to VMS. We are honored to feature Billie S. Hutto in this month’s Veteran Spotlight.  

Billie is a Contract Specialist at VMS, currently supporting the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Construction 1 Division within Network Contracting Office 7 (NCO 7). Her journey with VMS has also included supporting the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division and contributing to construction and Architect-Engineer (A/E) contracting projects in Arizona and California. 

Billie proudly served nine years in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-5). Her decision to enlist was inspired by a Veteran supervisor she worked with while serving as a correctional officer in 1999. As the only member of her immediate family to join the military at the time, Billie was motivated by a desire for new adventures, meaningful experiences, and the opportunity to serve her country

Throughout her military career, Billie distinguished herself through exceptional leadership, dedication, and professional excellence. Her Air Force journey began at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, where she launched her contracting career and earned recognition as Airman of the Year. She also had the honor of serving on the Honor Guard, participating in ceremonies that paid tribute to those who served before her.  

Her career later took her to RAF Lakenheath in England, home of the 48th Fighter Wing, where she earned the prestigious distinction of NCO of the Year. Billie concluded her military service at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, working within the Acquisition Management Integration Center. 

Billie’s outstanding military accomplishments earned her numerous honors and recognitions, including Airman of the Year for the 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall Air Force Base, Air Force Sergeants Association Enlisted Member of the Year, 48th Fighter Wing NCO of the Year, and the Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award. These achievements reflect her commitment to excellence, strong leadership, and dedication to the Air Force mission. 

Billie’s service also provided opportunities to travel around the world, with deployments and temporary duty assignments to Germany, Iceland, Norway, Curaçao, Ecuador, and Turkmenistan. Beyond the professional accomplishments and international experiences, Billie shared that one of the most rewarding aspects of her military career was the camaraderie she developed with her fellow Airmen. The friendships, mentorship, and meaningful connections formed during her service continue to hold a special place in her life. 

Reflecting on a particularly memorable experience, Billie shared a lighthearted story that captures the friendships and unforgettable moments that make military service so special: 

“Some Airmen carry rifles. On one night in Washington, D.C., I was assigned to carry a bottle of wine like my life depended on it. We were walking the streets after a friend received a major award, enjoying some much-needed R&R, and my supervisor made it clear that this bottle was not to be left behind, dropped, or even looked at too long. I took the mission seriously. I kept one hand on the bottle, my eyes on the sidewalk, and my pride fully intact. Looking back, I think I walked more carefully than anyone else in the city that night. The bottle made it, and so did the memory. That’s the kind of night that reminds you the people you serve with are just as important as the mission. Today, that supervisor is still a friend and mentor, and a great role model and person.” 

For Billie, this memory represents something far greater than a humorous evening. It reflects the lasting friendships, mutual respect, and sense of belonging that made her military experience so meaningful. 

Following her military service, Billie continued her commitment to public service as a civilian Department of Defense employee, working in contracting at Langley Air Force Base. When a family emergency required her attention, she stepped away from the contracting profession for 13 years to manage her family’s restaurant. In 2024, Billie returned to the field she loved, bringing with her a wealth of experience, resilience, and a renewed passion for supporting government missions. 

Today, Billie continues to make a meaningful impact through her work at VMS, applying the leadership, contracting expertise, and dedication to service that have defined her career. 

Drawing from her military experiences and professional journey, Billie offers three valuable pieces of advice for soon-to-be Veterans: 

• Be prepared. Start planning your transition early, so the next chapter begins with direction instead of uncertainty. 

• Save your records. Keep copies of your service documents, awards, evaluations, and medical records in a safe place. You will need them more often than you expect. 

• Stay involved with Veterans. The people who understand your service are a lasting source of support, friendship, and purpose. 

We are incredibly proud to have Billie S. Hutto as part of the VMS team. Her distinguished military accomplishments, commitment to excellence, and continued dedication to supporting our nation’s Veterans exemplify the values at the heart of our organization. Billie’s journey is a testament to the lasting impact of military service, the importance of perseverance, and the strength of the relationships built along the way. 

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Billie for her honorable service to our country, her remarkable achievements, and the valuable contributions she continues to make at VMS. It is truly a privilege to recognize and celebrate her story.