FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
The 2024 Defense Department Black History Month theme highlights African Americans and the Arts. Throughout history, influential African American artists used their talents as a catalyst for change. Writers, painters, musicians, filmmakers, architects, dancers, and a myriad of other artists continue to influence African American culture.
DLA Energy celebrates the month with a theme of Celebrating the Contributions of the Divine Nine to shed light on a group of historically Black fraternities and sororities and their impact on the DOD mission. Members of these organizations are driving forces of change as they foster a powerful community that prioritizes service, sister and brotherhood, and scholarship. Like the plethora of African American artists, the Divine Nine have and continue to play a pivotal role in sculpting modern African American culture.
Throughout February, DLA Energy will spotlight employees who exemplify resilience, creativity, community and service. In this spotlight, meet Augustus Patterson Jr., a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
What is your job? I’m a contracting officer for DLA Energy Direct Delivery Fuels. Our team provides fuel support for the U.S. Central Command area of operation. CENTCOM includes Iraq, Israel, and Lebanon, to name a few. We purchase various types of fuel like Diesel, Unleaded, and Jet Fuel for the warfighters.
How long have you been with DLA and/or DLA Energy? I started working for DLA Energy in February 2013. This is my first employment as a federal employee, having worked in corporate America for over 20 years.
What is your favorite aspect of your job? I’m a retired lieutenant colonel having served 26 years in the U.S. Army Reserve. I deployed to the middle east four times in support of multiple Iraqi operations and campaigns. I experience first-hand how critical fuel is to support the United States military mission objectives. I get satisfaction knowing that I’m instrumental in continuing the flow of fuel to the region. I love my job and the support we provide to CENTCOM.
How long have you been a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.? I pledged Nu Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., in the Spring of 1985, on the campus of Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia. I’ve been a member of numerous graduate chapters after receiving my Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology in December 1987.
Why did you choose this organization? In November 1984, I attended a meeting for men interested in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on the campus of ODU. During this meeting, I discovered the rich history of the fraternity, having many distinguish members like Martin Luther King Jr., Former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, and W.E.B Debois. The fraternity’s motto – First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All – spoke to my personal life goals and objectives.
How has this organization shaped who you are? We, Alpha men, seek to achieve the highest level of honor, integrity, and respect for all mankind. Manly deeds, scholarship, and the love for all mankind are the aims of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. I’ve tried to model my personal and professional life incorporating these characteristics.
How has membership of this organization influenced your professional career? As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., I’ve grown to truly respect the mission goals of the fraternity. We focus on developing leaders, promoting brotherhood, and academic excellence. Being a member in the fraternity, has given me the opportunity to give back to my community to encourage young men of color to excel and achieve their goals and dreams. I’ve been a mentor to young men trying to join the military. I’ve used my position as an Army officer and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., to encourage young men to take advantage of the military education benefits while in pursuit of an undergraduate or graduate degree.