COLUMBUS, Ohio –
Every so often we’re forever graced with an exceptional person. A person that quietly walks into our lives and permanently leaves their mark. That’s David Bloomer, a supervisory contract specialist with Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Land Supplier Operations. His entrance to the Power Transmissions team in November 2017 was almost unperceived since he walked into the office and cheerfully said a soft “hello.” But from day one his manner, work ethic, personality and friendship has captured our minds and hearts. Let’s take a moment to illustrate the impact we’ve experienced so you may have a glimpse into our loss occurring October 1 when he retires.
David – whom we adoringly call Dave – began his professional career with the U.S. Air Force in 1973. He spent four years there prior to leaving and joining the Department of Defense in 1977. His first location was at the Defense Electronics Supply Center in Dayton, Ohio. He commenced his DOD career as a GS-1 Clerk Typist. He always joked that you can only go up when you start as a GS-1.
Now everyone at DLA Land and Maritime knows him as an Acquisition person. So you may be questioning when he made this switch? This occurred in 1990 when he started in Post Awards at the Dayton center. In May of 1996 though, due to a base realignment, he was transferred to Columbus. Although that was a sad moment leaving friends and family behind to start in a new city, hooray for us for our gain! Through the years he worked hard and steadily until reaching this final destination. During his 45 years he’s been a part of Commodities, Maritime, Aviation and Land. Within Land he’s been in the following families: Batteries team, Price Pending team, and now the Power Transmissions and Filters. Currently, he’s an Acquisition Supervisor.
In and out of the office we can count on Dave being the same person. Not only is he a leader here, but also at his church. He’s continuously providing guidance, assistance and joy to everyone he comes in contact with. Don’t be fooled by his quiet demeanor, he loves to bring a good laugh to the table. He’s been married for 30 years to his lovely bride, Charlene, and they have four children.
He’s truly enjoyed his career and when asked what he does for a living, he’s always proud to say “I work supporting the warfighters!” Having been a veteran, he understands the importance of our day-to-day work. He acknowledges that the men and women in the Services are depending on us fulfilling our tasks and he’ll make sure he does his best to not let them down.
His last words of encouragement on saying farewell: “When God opens a door for you, be brave enough to walk through it. It may not look like much, but follow it wherever it takes you. Thank you for allowing me to do something that I’ve loved for so long.”
Editor’s note: Shirley Cartagena is a member of the Land Supplier Operations directorate. Cartagena submitted this article through the Public Affairs Liaison Program to acknowledge Bloomer’s years of service. For more information on the PAL Program, email DLA.Land.and.Maritime.Public.Affairs@dla.mil.