Can you tell us about yourself? About me huh; I’ve been in government service for 22 years, four of those years in the Army as an Infantryman, and the rest with DLA here on Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. Since I’ve been with DLA I’ve held a few different jobs both with Disposition and Distribution but primarily I’ve worked in the Environmental field for the last 12+ years. I love to hunt, fish, and shoot. I’m a bit of a hermit and love to be around the house. I’ve been told I’m a blunt instrument and sometimes speak without a filter so if you want the truth, be prepared. And beware because I love to talk, I can be a longwinded fool sometimes. Other than that, I’m 46 years young, I am married, have a beautiful adult-ish daughter, and 3 crazy mutts.
Describe your job in a sentence or two. What do you do specifically? Assist Customers in the disposition of hazardous property as well as providing contractual and regulatory guidance to both the Warfighter and DLA folks alike.
What is your favorite memory with DLA Disposition Services? There have been a few really good and bad memories and most of them revolve around the folks I’ve worked with. My 2014 Afghanistan deployment was fantastic, considering where we were, but it was the camaraderie of the group that made it worthwhile. Before that, just the TEAM atmosphere I’ve had here at Tinker AFB. My old Boss, Ms. Lisa Gray, who mentored me to become who I am on the job today, was always bringing in breakfast, working with us folks, she is in a majority of those favorite memories. But I will say, one of the happiest days for me was watching her retire, handing me “the torch” so to speak was probably one of my memorable moments.
What aspect(s) of your current job gives you the most personal satisfaction and why? It’s got to be assisting folks. Whether it be training another new 0028 or just working through the REG with a customer, I really seem to enjoy helping someone learn the EPA/DOT regulations which pertain to our mission. Profiling is one of my favorite things to go over and I think it’s because after so many years of trial and error, making mistakes, calling on other 0028’s such as Ben Skarp, Terry Burkett, even ole Kevin Sparks, well I get it now. While you’ll never know it all, the last several years have been great because the confidence is there. Anyone that knows what I’m talking about has been through the grind. When you know, you just know.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? Wow, there’ s probably so much good and bad advice I’ve been given over the years, but there have been a couple, and surprisingly enough, they’re from the one guy that talked the least: My teammate, Mr. Bill Beer, whom I’ve worked with over the last 14 years made these two wise quotes that stuck, I’ll keep it “PG”; First, “Don’t sweat the small stuff…and it’s all small stuff.”; Second, “Money ain’t always worth the headache that a promotion could bring.” The Man is a Genius, here’s to you Beer!!
What kind(s) of training and education helps your work performance in your current role? Common Sense goes a long way, but other than the obvious regulatory training (EPA and DOT primarily), but any administrative or business management skills factor in.
What would you say has been your major contributions to your organization this year in your job? Other than keeping our customers happy, I’d say providing continuous training to folks on Site.
If you could speak directly to the warfighters you support, what would you tell them? Of course this would depend on which customer you are referring, most of them are doing a phenomenal job which makes my job easier so to that I would say “thank you and keep up the good work.” And we’ll just leave it at that.
Where do you see yourself five years from now? Well, I’d like to say here doing my job at this same location, but to be honest you never know with all the looming NETOPS Phases. I’m not afraid of change though, no matter what is in my future…unless I hit the lottery or SHIBA comes through, I’ll be working for the Government in some form or capacity.
Tell us something that most people might not know about you or your directorate? Hmmm, to be honest, I’m an open book. Can’t really think of anything off the top of my head.
What is your best memory of working here? I probably answered this in a previous question as I tend to ramble, but as I mentioned it’s got to be “passing of the torch” when my mentor, Ms. Lisa Gray, retired.
What was your first job? My first job with DLA was a WG-04, forklift operator with Distribution here on Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. I was right out of the Army.
Who’s your biggest influence? Again, so many folks have influenced me and still influence me to this day. I’d say the biggest influence workwise would be my former Boss, Ms. Lisa Gray. Her work ethic, morale’s, devotion, kindness, and management style has been inspirational at the very least. Words can’t describe the impact that she’s had on not only my career but also in my personal life.
Name your favorite/recent book(s) you have read. If I’m being honest, I HATE reading books, I was always a visual kind of person, so put it in a movie and you got me. If I had to read a book, I’m going to revert to my Tom Clancy novels I used to “read”.
What are some of your passions outside of work? As I mentioned, I enjoy bow and rifle hunting deer (just like the taste of that summer sausage, chili, and jerky), I do try my hand at what some would call “Turkey hunting and or calling and then definitely fishing of any sort really. I also do a bit of Gaming which is another way to “escape” reality for a bit!! If you haven’t tried it, go for it!!!
What is your favorite quote? “Walk out the door backwards, so I don’t see you leaving.” -Jerry Craig; Ms. Lisa Gray used to quote and sing this all the time; Mr. Jerry Craig, God rest is soul, was a Vietnam Vet that worked with Ms. Gray for years before I arrived, apparently this was one of the things he would always say and it has stuck with me over the years.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Originally a GI-Joe, then an Architect, then I didn’t’ really want to grow up, and now I just look forward to retiring (I know, I’m a ways out but never hurts to set your sights on it!!)
Who is your hero? These Soldiers in our Country, the ones that put in the time and work for our country, I commend any Active Duty or Vet, but these Combat Vets, and what they’ve gone through decades are all heroes in my book.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Tough one, a day wouldn’t be enough. Maybe a day on the water striper fishing with some buds would be nice right about now.
What’s the most thrilling or adventurous thing you have ever done? Most adventurous would be volunteering to go to a Warzone to work!!! Yep, not sure much can compare or top that!!!