FORT BELVOIR, Virginia –
Editor’s note: The Defense Logistics Agency recognizes February as Black History Month. To honor the contributions of African-American employees, DLA is highlighting those who work daily to support the agency’s global mission.
My name is: Army Col. Carl Eric Mason Sr.
I am: A leader, soldier and mentor currently serving as DLA’s first Agency Synchronization Operations Center Division chief
Describe your job in a sentence: As ASOC division chief, I oversee the development of logistics operations and plans. I am also responsible for all things related to business operations, current operations, future operations, operational planning/exercise support and mission support for deployed DLA personnel.
How long have you worked at DLA? I have been serving at DLA for almost two years and was selected by DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Darrell Williams after graduating from Senior Service College at the National Defense University.
What is your favorite thing about working for DLA? My favorite thing about DLA is I have served with the most diverse, skilled and agile workforce of any of my assignments in over 20 years of service. The success of any organization is mainly dependent on its ability to achieve a high-performing, results-driven culture and sustain that culture no matter what enemy we face. Even in an organization of over 26,000 professionals, everyone is a vital part to the agency’s recipe of success.
What are your best memories of working here? My best memory is building and developing the ASOC, the biggest change in DLA in the last 20 years. The ASOC has representatives from across DLA Headquarters directorates and major subordinate commands serving either remotely or on station where they synchronize DLA’s efforts supporting an array of missions. Those include routine requirements, business focused challenges such as Operations Agency Resolve and contingency responses including hurricane relief operations and support to military units and federal agencies conducting operations along the Southwest border.
How do you make a difference? I make a difference every day by being one of the director’s drum majors, leading and taking our agency to the next level of support by improving military readiness, strengthening alliances and bringing about business reforms.
What does Black History Month mean to you? When I answer this questions I use an acronym that describes my meaning: WORK.
W-WORTH
O- OPPORTUNITY
R- Reminisce
K- Knowledge
As a proud African-American leader, I arm myself with the knowledge of my worth to society and reminisce on all the opportunities I have now because others who came before me fought and carried the blood-stained banner of justice for all mankind. Every month is Black History Month because truly it just history, and the great men and women who led change should be incorporated into our education system so their legacies can live on for generations to come.