FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Defense Logistics Agency employees and unique missions are the subject of a video talk show called The DLA Rap.
“DLA people come from all walks of life and work so hard to support many different types of work. This series is about everyday DLA heroes, those on the frontlines and those who support from the back, because it’s all crucial to accomplishing the mission,” said Video Producer Nutan Chada, who has captured and shared footage of DLA for over 25 years.
The first episode introduces Joe Sousa, chief of the Bulk Division at DLA Distribution San Joaquin, California, who has helped provide critical supplies to wildland firefighters during one of the most active fire seasons in U.S. history. New episodes are expected to appear monthly on Facebook, YouTube and the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.
“The beauty of The DLA Rap is that it’s a bit free-flowing and doesn’t have a set schedule, so we can highlight employees when the moment is right,” she said.
Chada is already finalizing the second and third episodes, which will feature Jade Spurgeon, DLA’s occupational health manager, and DLA Senior Enlisted Leader Army Command Sgt. Maj. Tomeka O’Neal.
Each episode takes a team of professionals who conduct shooting, lighting and audio whether interviews take place at DLA Headquarters, virtually or in the field.
“It can take over two hours to shoot one segment, and then of course it can take more than a week to edit for prime time,” Chada said.
She has traveled to places like Djibouti, Hawaii, Italy and Kuwait to spotlight the ways employees support customers around the world. Being an extrovert and travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic inspired her to find new, creative ways to share DLA’s story.
Viewers can recommend people and programs for future episodes or send feedback and suggestions to Nutan.Chada@dla.mil.