TORII STATION, OKINAWA , JAPAN — September 12, 2008 — Dr. Nancy Bresell, Director for DoDDS- Pacific/DDESS-Guam is pleased to announce the selection of Charles E. Kelker as the new Chief of Staff for the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) Pacific.

Kelker comes to DoDDS from the position of the Deputy Director, Manpower, Personnel and Support (J1), Headquarters United States Forces (USFJ), Japan, Yokota Air Base, Japan.

In July 2003, Kelker assumed duties as the Deputy Director, Manpower, Personnel and Support (J1) where he served until his retirement from the USAF in February 2006. In July, he became Director, J1 at HQs USFJ. In August 2007, he returned to his current position working numerous quality of life, manpower, and personnel issues for over 90,000 Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine service members, contractors, civilian personnel and their families stationed throughout Japan

Born in El Paso, Texas to the parents of a career Army family, Mr. Kelker lived in various locations around the world, graduating from a Department of Defense Dependent High School in Berlin, Germany in 1973. He attended the University of Akron, Ohio for one year before enlisting in the US Air Force in August 1974.

Kelker stated, “my family and I are very happy to be joining the dedicated professionals of the DoDDS Pacific/DDESS-Guam family. I look forward to working with the staff members, community members, and military partners in providing a world-class educational opportunity for our students.”

“Chas joins our professional team, as an experienced supervisor with substantial knowledge of our operations. We are extremely fortunate to have this well qualified individual as one of our Pacific leaders. Chas’s skill as an administrator come to us as we take on many new challenges relating to realignment,” explained Bresell.

Kelker replaces Dave Menig who was selected as a Program Analyst for the Army in San Antonio, Texas. Kelker is expected to report for work in mid-October.