JOINT BASE LEWIS MCCORD, Wash. –
Can you tell us about yourself? Hi! My name is Liz Marie Rodriguez Santiago. I was born and raised on the island of Puerto Rico. I moved to Georgia at the age of 19 to finish college. While there, I met my husband. We have lived in Georgia, Virginia, Hawaii, and now permanently in Washington state. He has retired from the Army. We have two boys (14 and 10); the oldest one plays sports, and my youngest is a science enthusiast.
Describe your job in a sentence or two. I am a Procurement Specialist. I review customers' requests for printing and any special requirements they might have. If our shops cannot accommodate, I find an outside vendor from our approved list.
How long have you worked for the federal government? Since 2012. My first federal job was with the National Labor Relations Board HQ in Washington, DC, as a Secretary to the Supervisory Attorney.
How long have you worked for DLA Disposition Services? I joined DLA Document Services in 2019 when we were stationed at Fort Gregg Adams as a Printing Procurement Specialist. Last year, we merged with DLA Disposition Services, and my job title changed to Procurement Specialist.
What aspect of your current job gives you the most personal satisfaction and why? Explaining the job to the customer, getting materials, and showing them what options they have from our samples to provide them with amazing products.
What is a service you provide DLA customers that most don’t know about? I provide guidance. When customers are unsure about what materials they need, especially for the elements in this area, I can explain what will be best for them and show them samples we have.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? Do not get in debt without the need; and live below your means.
What kind of training and education helps your work performance in your current role? I would say the best training is in finance, helping customers get their funding together to send us payments. In addition, training in using the systems overall is great to help us assist customers in using our resources.
What would you say has been your major contribution to your organization this year in your job? Just like every year, we support all printing requests for changes of command, memorials, command photo board changes, military balls, programs, manuals, banners for events, and pictures for walls. Now, with the short staff issues we have in Bangor, I can assist in getting work orders outsourced to meet deadlines.
Tell us something that most people might not know about your shop/office? Many of my customers assume I have a print shop here. When they come in and see just my desk and my printer/scanner, they are surprised. I am one person covering three states: Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Unfortunately, I do not have a print shop here.
Where do you see yourself five years from now? Hopefully in a higher position within DLA. I am sure I can continue to go up the ladder within this agency in God’s time.
What is your best memory of working here? As a Procurement Specialist, I have never worked with my DLA peers in an office. So, the best memories or moments I have are when my host agencies invite me to their activities. It makes me feel loved and included even when I work for a different agency.
What was your first job? My first job was as a Summer Camp Counselor at the age of 16.
Who’s your biggest influence? My boys. They push me to do better every day.
Name your favorite or most recent book you have read. I am re-reading "The Count of Monte Cristo," but I honestly do not have much extra time in my day for reading.
What are some of your passions outside of work? The arts. I went to “Central de Artes Visuales” in Puerto Rico, one of five specialized schools on the island. I majored in Sculpture during my high school years and loved every minute of it.
What is your favorite quote? “For knowledge itself is power.” - Francis Bacon
What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be an Architect, but Calculus classes made me think differently.
Do you play a sport or instrument? I played Basketball and Volleyball as a kid and in high school. Now I only play when I want to help my son practice for his basketball games. I also like running.
Who is your hero? My heroes right now are my kiddos, especially my oldest, who has managed to pull Honors and win races in his Track and Field meets while struggling with ADHD. I am amazed by how he has found a way to cope with so many changes. They are military kids who have blossomed into such amazing and respectful children. They are kind and love to help others. I am incredibly grateful to be their mom.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Hike a mountain with an amazing view.
What’s the most thrilling/adventurous thing you have ever done? Rollercoasters, but as a younger adult; they are too much for me right now, LOL.