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News | Aug. 20, 2025

Employee Spotlight | Stephanie Brackin

By Amy Perry, DLA Aviation Public Affairs

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: Stephanie Brackin

Organization: DLA Aviation at Cherry Point

DLA experience: Nine years

Job title: Customer Support Specialist

What do you do? My job is to make sure our customers have the materiel they need to make repairs as soon as possible. I support the T400 and the T58 engine shops. In doing so, I work backorders by requesting expedites on current contracts, looking for and requesting lateral support, surplus, and possible alternates. I work closely with buyers for purchase requisitions to be awarded in a timely manner so that materiel is readily available and on the shelf when needed. I work with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to ensure materiel is not delinquent and expedited if needed.

What do you like most about your job? The best part of my job is the people I work with because we are like one big family working toward the same goals – making sure the warfighter is always top priority.

What part of your job gives you the most personal satisfaction? It gives me personal satisfaction when a particular materiel I have been working on is in the hands of the artisans because that means the repairs can be made and delivered back to the fleet, keeping the warfighter first.

What do you see as your biggest challenge right now? I think the biggest challenge right now is making sure that quotes do not expire before contracts can be awarded. It is important to have material at the fingertips of our warfighters because some of the material has very long lead times. The faster Purchase Requisitions can be awarded, the faster we can have material on the shelf. It is difficult to look at my customer in the face when they need material and tell them it will be a while before material is available. They are the reason I work so closely with the buyers. 

If you could speak directly to the warfighters you support, what would you tell them? I would tell them thank you. Thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifices, for leaving your family, and for the protection they provide. Without them, our world would look and feel a lot different. I appreciate every ounce of what they do, every day. The things we take for granted on a daily basis would not be possible without them. They have my utmost respect.

Professionally, where do you see yourself five years from now? Five years from now, I hope to still be right here at DLA. I am hoping to grow in my career just a little longer as a Customer Service Specialist before retirement.

What are some of your passions outside of work? When I am not at work, I love spending time with family and spoiling my three grandchildren. I also enjoy spending time on the boat and going to the beach. Anywhere that has blue water and sand is where I am happiest.