BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
For the last three years, Olivia Beavers has experienced a day-to-day life very different from what she was previously accustomed to, both in her environment and daily work life. A member of the Defense Logistics Agency since 2019, Beavers is currently in her third year of duty at the DLA Disposition Services Kuwait site, serving as an environmental protection specialist.
“My job is basically to make sure that we don’t have any hazardous waste or hazardous material on the yard,” Beavers explained. “I also monitor the hazmat that we use on the yard, such as oils and diesel used for maintenance, ensuring we keep the yard free of spills, oil drips, or hydraulic fluids and other contaminants that may compromise the purity of the soil or water system.”
Beavers’ role is vital for ensuring the site complies with U.S. Army Central environmental policies and standards. Most recently stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland, prior to her move to Kuwait, and her daily activities vary significantly from what they were in the States.
“OCONUS is a little different than CONUS,” Beavers said. “We are responsible for a little more here than we would be in the States. We’re under a different set of guidelines.”
Guidelines aren’t the only difference Beavers is experiencing due to her move to Kuwait. Born and raised in Alabama, she had never lived outside the state until 2021 when she began working at Fort Meade before moving to Kuwait in 2022. This major life change has posed challenges, but Beavers relies on her local colleagues for support.
“I missed my family a lot in the beginning,” Beavers explained. “When I got here, missing my children and grandchildren was the hardest part at first. So having someone else to be around and look at as a friend helped, and that was the most important part of me settling in.”
Beavers and her friends in Kuwait have a variety of ways to build camaraderie, both on and off duty. She even serves as the culture representative, helping to coordinate activities for those at the site.
“We have team-building events,” Beavers said. “We come up with activities that we all do together, which helps build a family bond rather than just being work associates.”
Beavers praised her team and the work environment, describing a positive atmosphere where everyone supports one another.
“I’ve been fortunate during my time here,” Beavers expressed. “We’ve always had a good team. We’re surrounded by a lot of good people, and we have many good volunteers. Everyone is very good at helping each other. It’s a great atmosphere.”
Despite the distance from loved ones and an increased operational tempo, Beavers remains pleased with her current situation, believing it gives her the best chance to succeed within the agency.
“Being here has definitely helped me,” Beavers explained. “There is a lot of multitasking and cross-work, so you can learn much more than just the one thing you came here to do. I’m hopeful it will help me advance in the agency.”
Looking back on the three years she has completed so far, Beavers is surprised at how quickly the time has passed and is happy with her decision to make a permanent change of station.
“I would definitely recommend this PCS to other employees,” Beavers said. “Some other employees I worked with guided me into this. You can learn so much and gain valuable experience by being overseas.”