RICHMOND, Va. –
Employee spotlight regularly features outstanding non-supervisory personnel from throughout the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation and other DLA employees at Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. Organizational directors may submit the names of employees they wish to feature in this column to DLA Aviation Public Affairs.
Name: Virginia Knuckles
Organization: DLA Aviation at Cherry Point, Planning and Support
Years of Service: Two years and 10 months at DLA with more than 20 years of service in the Defense Department as a contractor and civil servant
Any prior military experience? No, I have not served in the military, but I have given my heart in service to military warfighter support.
Job title: Sustainment Specialist
What do you do? “I work on current and future monthly demand cycles. I ensure there are adequate procurement material requirements in the pipeline for the customer and the warfighter servicing both current and future demands for Fleet Readiness Center East.
What is your fondest memory of working for DLA Aviation? After being hired, I was excited to be a part of this organization. Working in supply and production for 19 years (within the DOD) has given me the opportunity to proudly help provide customer support to our warfighters and meet the various customers’ needs.
What part of your job gives you the most personal satisfaction? I find satisfaction in knowing that the customer has the materials when they need them and doing everything possible to provide support and assistance with the task at hand.
What are your best practices for achieving goals or accomplishing tasks? The best way to achieve any goal is commitment to the customers’ mission, determination and diligence to provide support for both warfighter’s and customer’s needs.
What do you see as your biggest challenge right now? One of the biggest challenges I see at times is finding a way through inhibitors and delays of material beyond DLA’s control and finding alternative quality support.
If you could speak directly to the warfighters you support, what would you tell them? As a DLA Aviation employee, I am committed to providing you with dependable quality support and providing customer satisfaction through reliability and accountability to the mission.
What are some of your passions outside of work? My passion is writing. I also love seeing people succeed and helping others achieve personal or professional goals.
What is the most surprising or unexpected thing others don’t know about you? Most people don’t know how determined I am to learn more and accomplish the goals set before me professionally. I believe in respect, accountability, honesty, integrity, fairness and equal treatment towards co-workers and peers.
What is your favorite military aircraft? My favorite aircraft is the CH-53 helicopter. CH-53 support has evolved over my life cycle of 19 years of work. I have provided customer support, materials and parts to this entire engine line; it is like an old familiar friend. I have walked in the hangars with materials to provide support on countless days. I have seen aircrafts come to induction; I have seen men and women artisans work tireless hours around the clock to repair aircrafts and return these aircrafts back to fleet service. I have witnessed the determination of artisan’s that have strategized to fix issues, and the pride felt seeing aircrafts pass flight checks. Those memories of their accomplishments are unforgettable and forever etched in my mind. The accomplished feelings, the tears that fell and the pride of the collaborative efforts it took to meet the need. Nothing compares to the feeling of dedicated service by doing a great job daily.
What is your proudest accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment was when I was given the opportunity to work as a contractor over 21 years ago at FRCE. In every job I have done, I have always strived to provide the best service to customers’ needs. Over 21 years later, my job is different. I have gone from a contractor to civilian but the mission of serving customers has not changed. CH-53 parts were my specialty as an inventory specialist and supply personnel. Serving the customer hasn’t changed and meeting the need no matter what the job title has always been number one for me. DLA Aviation helps me to continue to serve the warfighter.