RICHMOND, Va. –
Name: Breann Irving
Organization: DLA Aviation at Oklahoma City
Years of service at DLA: 14 Years
Employee Spotlight focuses on outstanding nonsupervisory Defense Logistics Agency personnel across DLA Aviation and at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. Organizational directors may nominate employees to be featured in this column by contacting DLA Aviation Public Affairs at Avn.PAO@DLA.mil.
What is your job title, and what do you do specifically? As a contract specialist, I procure depot-level repairable spare parts for the US Air Force and foreign military sales customers. In my career field, I work with diverse teams within DLA to accomplish contract actions that will supply the parts and materiel to support the warfighter’s needs.
What do you like most about your job and why? I enjoy working with my customers to understand their needs fully and then collaborating with them to find solutions to the problems that arise during the procurement process. I have learned the relationships we develop are key to ensuring we can support the mission.
What do you see as your biggest challenge right now? The biggest challenge in procurement right now is developing innovative ways to purchase parts that are no longer considered to be procurable due to age, inadequate technical data/drawings, significant price increases, or a loss of skills and knowledge, as many companies have closed or key personnel have retired.
What is your fondest memory of working for DLA Aviation? My fondest memory while working at DLA Aviation is the end-of-year events we used to have had at the beginning of my career. September is a busy month for our organization as we work to execute the budget and award contracts. Our leadership worked to boost morale by having friendly competitions and theme days and giving out different awards as we met our goals.
What are some of your passions outside of work? I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, watching my son play basketball, traveling, and watching movies. The Grand Canyon in Arizona has been one of my favorite places we’ve traveled to because the scenery is breathtaking. The next place on the list of places my family would like to visit is Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.
What’s the most thrilling or adventurous thing you have ever done? I get my thrills by traveling to different theme parks and riding their tallest, fastest roller coasters. My favorite theme park was Cedar Point in Ohio because it is home to the Millennium Force roller coaster, which at one time was the tallest roller coaster with the longest drop and the fastest speed. However, these records have now been broken.
Who is the most influential person in your life, past or present? The most influential person in my life is my father. He instilled in me values that are a major part of my work ethic and day-to-day life.