Richmond, Va. –
Employee spotlight regularly features outstanding non-supervisory personnel from throughout the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation and other DLA employees on Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. Organizational directors may submit names of employees they wish to feature in this column to DLA Aviation Public Affairs. For more information, call (804) 279-3139.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Name: Hermogena Ratliff
Organization: DLA Aviation at Cherry Point
Years of Service: 17 years federal service, the last 17 months with DLA
What is your job title, and what do you do, specifically? I am a customer support specialist. I review Unfilled Order Status Reports. I perform expedite request and follow-up actions on status of purchase requisitions and delivery of contacts, research alternative sources to include requesting lateral support and breach of stock; and prepare emergency buy packages for high priority supply requests to prevent work stoppages. I also submit recommendation for alternate national item identification numbers.
What do you like most about your job? I really enjoy the research aspect of my job. I like tracking down material movements and looking for possible ways of obtaining the materials for our customers.
What kind(s) of training and education helps your work performance in your current role? All the required computer classes that I took throughout the years of my employment with the Navy and the assistance that I received from my team, provides me the necessary tools that I need to perform my job.
What aspect(s) of your current job gives you the most personal satisfaction? Why? Each time I am able to obtain the material for the customer, I feel the satisfaction from knowing that I made the difference in DLA’s support of the warfighter.
If you could speak directly to the warfighters you support, what would you tell them? Thank you very much for the unselfish and unconditional sacrifice that you have made and continue to make – protecting our freedom so that we can enjoy the security, comforts and freedom of living in the U.S.A.
What was your first job? I was working as a seamstress at the shirt factory in Newport, North Carolina. I had worked there for a year when they shutdown. Subsequently, I was offered the chance to pursue an education towards a career. I took a Computer Information System Course which made me eligible to apply under the Student Career Experience Program (Co-op) at the Naval Air Depot (now known as Fleet Readiness Center East, Cherry Point, North Carolina).
What advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago? Believe in yourself, do not let anybody tell you that you are not good enough.
Where do you see yourself five years from now? In five years, hopefully, I will be retired.
What’s your biggest pet peeve? My biggest pet peeve is people who take advantage of other people’s kindness and generosity.
If you had a theme song, what would it be and why? I love the song, ‘From a Distance’ just because it is so beautiful, deep and meaningful.
If you could pick a personal motto, what would it be? My personal motto would be what my grandma always used to say, “You have to be willing to take the first step.” These words apply to most things in life because just getting started is half the battle.
Who is the most influential person in your life...past or present? The most influential person in my life was my grandmother. She was an exceedingly loving woman - caring, giving and unselfish. She touched the lives of so many people – from children with no treats for Christmas to adults with no place to stay. She exemplified a loving attitude to everyone she met.
What is/are your favorite book(s), television show(s) or movie(s)? I love watching ‘The Little House on the Prairie.’