RICHMOND, Va. –
Employee spotlight regularly features outstanding non-supervisory personnel from throughout the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation and other DLA employees on Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. Organizational directors may submit names of employees they wish to feature in this column to DLA Aviation Public Affairs.
Name: Rene Garcia Jr.
Organization: DLA Aviation at Oklahoma City’s Material Management Division
Years of service: 5 years
What is your job title and what do you do specifically? I am a distribution facilities specialist. My job is to maintain levels of material in our shop service center and adjust those levels accordingly to meet our customer’s demands.
How do you support the warfighter? I support the warfighter by taking swift and decisive action to keep material moving and remaining up to date and knowledgeable on all DLA policies and procedures.
What is your fondest memory of working for DLA Aviation? Any time we have a team building event, holiday gathering, or a lunch get-together, there’s a good memory that comes from it. Taking this time with my team helps me appreciate the people that I work alongside.
What do you see as your biggest challenge right now? My biggest challenge right now is helping support a counterpart of mine who had a massive influx of material and not enough room to store it all. This requires frequent communication with their SSC on how we can best assist them.
Professionally, where do you see yourself five years from now? I would love to be in a leadership role at DLA Aviation. I’ve learned a lot, and a leadership role would give me the reach to shape future workers and their careers in a positive direction. As a leader, I feel like I will be giving back to the agency for a career that I’m proud to have.
What are some of your passions outside of work? When I’m not at work, I love walking Frankie, my pug dog. I also enjoy going to live events and reading or listening to audio books.
Have you had a mentor that helped you grow in your career? If so who, and how did they help? I’m thankful for Distribution Facilities Specialist Supervisor, George Williamson, who has been my direct supervisor and mentor. He has always offered positive encouragement, effective training, and he is a well of knowledge. Being a new employee can be daunting, but his positive attitude and helpful nature helped to instill me with confidence and continues to do so.