Fort Belvoir, Virginia –
My name is:
Patricia Komondy.
I am:
The lead training coordinator at DLA Disposition Services at Battle Creek, Michigan, and cultural point of contact for Native American peoples.
Describe your job in a sentence:
I lead a team providing training support for all of DLA Disposition Services.
How long have you worked at DLA?
I’ve been a full time employee since 2004 but began working for DLA as a contractor two years earlier.
What is your favorite thing about working for DLA?
I’ve had the opportunity to hold some very interesting positions, and I’ve been able to work with some amazing individuals all over the world, including senior leaders at DLA.
What are your best memories of working here?
My family’s heritage includes the Mohawk, Cherokee, Cree and Powhatan tribes, and I’ve been able to educate our workforce about the rich culture, history and accomplishments of Native American people.
I organized an event on the importance of protecting Michigan’s water, including lakes and rivers, from pipeline leaks and other pollution. I brought in two speakers from local Native American communities. One talked about his work in the political realm, including the governor of Michigan. The other talked about water protection from a traditional Native perspective. The event was packed. And when it ran long, the directors of Disposition Services and Logistics Information Services chose to delay an important meeting rather than leave early.
How do you make a difference?
I hope I make a difference by supporting employees and warfighters so they can accomplish their daily mission. I try to treat each employee with respect and professionalism, and to meet their needs in a timely fashion or direct them to someone who can. I also hope I’ve made difference in educating and enlightening workforce as to history and accomplishments of Native American people.