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: Matthew Kidd
Organization: DLA Aviation–Cherry Point, North Carolina
Years of Service: Fifteen years of total federal service
What is your job title, and what do you do, specifically?
I’m a customer support specialist, and I work with customers to aid in procuring backordered materials required for specific aircraft and needs. I also identify and assist in resolving customer ordering issues encountered while performing routine assignments. I review unfilled order statuses on a daily basis and take appropriate action to escalate fulfillment actions not meeting customer requirements. In the end, the customers and their needs are a priority. Getting them what they need, when they need it in a timely manner keeps the machine moving.
What do you like most about your job?
I would have to say my team. We function well together and are able to get the job done, but also make it fun at the same time.
If you could speak directly to the warfighters you support, what would you tell them?
I’d say that even though they don’t see the process and what it takes to keep them operational/functioning, the majority of us come to work every day to provide them the best support we can, because we’ve been there, we know how it feels to wait.
What would you say has been your major contributions to your organization this year in your job?
Having worked for DLA Distribution, I’m able to provide a better understanding with how the things we do here are processed and handled on that side.
What is the most surprising/unexpected thing others don’t know about you?
I’m a multi-medium artist. From digital art to 3D sculpting, I do mold and casting, acrylic painting, pyrography, creature concept design and everything in between.
What are some of your passions outside of work?
I’d say my artwork and everything that comes along with that. I surf, but not as much as I used to or want to. I’m an avid hunter and pretty conservative about that. Movies are a big hobby to me, there’s not much I haven’t seen. Mostly, my 4 year old son. He takes up a lot of my time, but well worth it.
Who is the most influential person in your life…past or present?
I’d have to say “people” instead of a single person, and I give credit to my grandparents. I grew up on 200 acres of farmland and most of my life was spent working with them. They were very hard working individuals because they had to be, and I think that’s where I get my work ethics from. I was the hardest work I had ever done, but some of the best memories of my life.
What is your favorite military aircraft? Why?
The A-10 “Warthog.” Being a prior-service grunt, when you absolutely are in need of Close Air Support, there is nothing better. I’ve conducted a few call for fire missions utilizing the A-10 and the precision and destruction that this aircraft offers is unbelievable.
If you could start your life over again, what would you do differently?
That’s a questions everyone asks themselves. The life you’ve lived has made you the person you are today; good or bad. Changing things to the way you want them to be could make your life better, but what type of person would you be for it?