RICHMOND, Va. –
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 AvnPAO@DLA.mil.
Name: Sandi Lucio
Organization: DLA Aviation at Ogden
Years of service at DLA: Two years, six months
What is your job title, and what do you do specifically? As a financial manager, I manage the Government Purchase Card program and most of our major DLA budget expenses. I also am the administrator for EAGLE, the Defense Travel System and the Government Travel Cards.
Why did you decide to work for DLA? I heard that DLA was a terrific place to work, and I was ready for a change. I’ve learned so much about the agency, the many pieces we have working around the globe and how meaningful our efforts are. Being proud of where you work and the positive impact you make on the world and the people you support really makes a difference. Each piece of the DLA puzzle works so well together, especially the people. I’m amazed by the teamwork, camaraderie and support I get. I’m proud to work at DLA and so honored to be part of this team.
What do you like most about your job and why? The people! It’s impressive how well DLA Aviation works as a team, no matter the distance. I’m grateful to the folks at DLA Aviation in Richmond for their support – which is always top notch and on point! Mr. Cavanaugh is one of my favorite people that I get to pester almost daily for EAGLE support, and Ms. Hudson’s support for our funding needs is fast and easy. The government travel and GPC crews are fantastic, too, and I truly appreciate all of them!
My teammates at Hill Air Force Base are my work family. My supervisor cares about every person here at Ogden, and my lead is outstanding in his knowledge, assistance and genuine concern. And the folks I share an office with light my life up daily. They are all hands down the most amazing group of people I’ve have the honor to work with.
What aspect(s) of your current job gives you the most personal satisfaction? Most of us here recognize when we work as a team, we can be successful and grow. Our leadership and employees support one another with any struggle we encounter. Even with the uncertainty we all have faced recently, Aviation has stood strong together to ensure our mission is a worldwide success.
What do you see as your biggest challenge right now? The same as everyone I suppose. The new and ever-changing guidance that keeps coming out.
What are some of your passions outside of work? Spending time with family and pets is my top favorite! We take our pups for a walk to let them burn some energy and enjoy some fresh air. I love camping and paddleboarding up at Bear Lake, even though it’s quite cold.
Some of the best times are when we just hang out watching movies at home, cooking dinner or fixing up the house. We bought a house in October 2023 that needs a little updating. Last year we renovated our entire kitchen. This year we plan to expand the driveway and create a cozy little backyard garden area. I can’t wait!
What’s the most thrilling or adventurous thing you have ever done? My husband’s brother lives in Costa Rica, and so for our anniversary last year we went there to visit him and see all the glories of Costa Rica. We were not disappointed! We ate amazing food and gazed in awe at the glorious Arenal Volcano. Then we relaxed in the volcanic hot springs in La Fortuna while we sipped pina coladas straight out of the pineapple. The hot spring makes you feel like you’re in a remote jungle while relaxing in volcanic waters. Next, we climbed down 530 steps to swim in the cold waters at the Fortuna Waterfall. And the next day we traveled to the city of Limon to swim in the Caribbean Sea.
Unfortunately, while we were swimming in the Caribbean, a beautiful toucan flew into our hotel window and shattered it. But that was the only downside of the whole trip. We saw monkeys, sloths and other amazing animals. I found out that pineapples taste so much better being so fresh. I highly recommended visiting Costa Rica and that I can’t wait to go back – it was pure paradise!
Who is the most influential person in your life, either past or present? My children are the most influential people I know. I am so proud of them each day seeing the things that they’ve accomplished, who they’ve become and their decision to be positive and uplifting people regardless of the challenges they’ve encountered.