BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
Every March, the United States celebrates the achievements, contributions, and advancements women have made throughout history. Women’s History Month observance was established by Public Law 100-9 in 1987.
This year, the Defense Logistics Agency Equal Employment Opportunity Office’s Special Emphasis Program interviewed DLA Logistics Information Services Administrative Support Assistant and U.S. Army Reservist Cassandra VanStreain.
Can you tell us about yourself?
I love God, my country and my job. I love working for DLA and the Army. I feel like I have a lot more to learn and more to give, i.e., in training [people], giving back. One fine day, I will retire and have a taco truck!
Describe your job in a sentence or two:
I support and assist with administrative tasks for the director of DLA Logistics Information Services’ front office.
How long have you worked for the federal government including military service?
I have served 22 years in the U.S. Army and 16 years of federal service.
How long have you worked for DLA Logistics Information Service?
5 years
What is your favorite thing about your line of work?
Different challenges and accomplishments that I am faced with every day.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?
To be mission focused but take care of myself and my family. Obviously, my job is important, but I am important as well.
What do you think about when you hear Women’s History Month?
Holistically, I feel like we’re finally getting our voices out there. As the female population as a whole, we’re finally being heard and seen.
Why is it important to you that we celebrate Women’s History Month?
I feel like the dynamic that women bring to any type of empowerment is special and being able to have it recognized is amazing and influential.
Who’s your biggest influence?
My family, especially my mom and grandma.
Name your favorite book.
“A Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren is my all-time favorite. It helped me with my spiritual journey and learn our purpose for our human life here on earth.
What was your first job?
I was a live-in nanny. I was 14 and I [had] emancipated myself. I started caring for four children in one family and then added another family’s child - all under one roof. I felt like I was part of the family. I learned from that experience that there are so many beautiful parts to what makes family – it doesn’t have to be blood. I felt loved, appreciated, and welcomed.
What is your favorite saying?
Be kind! You never really know what someone else is going through - kindness goes a long way.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a nurse. I went [to school] for nursing and I was going so I could get legal custody of my mom because she was incapacitated - she was a ward of the state. When she passed away, I lost that motivation and unfortunately, never finished my nursing degree, but that provided me the opportunity to focus on my military career and start my civilian career with DLA.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Nothing. I would do NOTHING. Sit around all day and do NOTHING. That would be one marvelous day.
What are your hobbies?
I love to cook, bake and party plan. I don’t have a favorite ‘thing’ to cook. I love to cook anything – well, maybe, tacos.