RICHMOND, Va. –
Employee spotlight regularly features outstanding non-supervisory personnel from throughout the Defense Logistics Agency Weapons Support (Richmond) 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 Weapons Support Public Affairs.
Name: Tara West
Organization: DLA Weapons Support at Cherry Point
DLA experience: Three Years
Prior military experience: Seven years in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Petty Officer 3rd Class
Job title: Customer Support Specialist
What do you do? We support FRC East by resolving supply issues, answering inquiries, ordering aircraft parts and ensuring they receive accurate information about back orders and logistics. We coordinate with internal teams and maintain strong communication to keep the mission running smoothly.
Why did you decide to work for DLA? After serving in the Coast Guard for seven years, I knew I wanted to continue in a career focused on the military. My dad served for 25 years and retired as a Senior Chief. My husband also served in the Coast Guard, and I have many family members that served in various branches. I guess you could say the military is in my blood. After getting out of the Coast Guard in 2016 when my first son was born, I worked at the U.S. Postal Service for six years. During this time, I would keep up with job postings on base. I got hired on with DLA in December 2022. Being a part of supplying our troops with the necessary parts needed for them to carry out their mission allows me to play a small but vital role for our military that I love so much.
What do you like most about your job? The people! I have met some of the best people working at DLA. I have attended weddings, birthdays and get-togethers of my amazing coworkers. I can honestly say it wouldn’t be the same without them! Also, knowing that my work directly supports mission readiness keeps me motivated and proud of what I do.
What are your best practices for achieving goals or accomplishing tasks? Staying organized. If you know me, you know I love clean spaces! With all the different daily duties we are given, I find it most helpful to have a clean and organized workspace. This makes prioritizing tasks easier, and it helps me get things completed much more efficiently.
If you could speak directly to the warfighters you support, what would you tell them? First and foremost, I would say thank you. Thank you for your commitment and your sacrifice. You have my utmost respect and support. I feel extremely honored to be one of the many that work behind the scenes to support you. I know the job may not feel visibly to the public all the time, but please know you are seen, valued and appreciated.
What are some of your passions outside of work? I am a die-hard country music fan! My husband and I started a tradition back when we were dating to attend a few country music concerts each year. Thirteen years and two children later, we keep that tradition going (well, at least one concert a year). On the weekends, especially during the summertime, you will most likely find the West family at Cape Lookout, which is my favorite place in the whole world. Sitting in a beach chair and watching my boys fish at my happy place is where I recharge and make the best memories with my family and friends. In the fall, Sundays are spent cheering on our family football team, the Philadelphia Eagles. GO BIRDS!!
What is the most surprising or unexpected thing others don’t know about you? TEXT
Who is the most influential person in your life, either past or present? My dad, Craig Frey. He taught me the value of hard work and integrity. He’s the funniest person I know, never meets a stranger, and somehow knows someone everywhere he goes, and if he doesn’t, he’s going to make a friend before he leaves. After retiring from the Coast Guard, he continues to make an impact. My very favorite thing about my dad is watching him with his grandchildren. The old, salty Coastie turns into a softy when he’s around them, and they adore him just as much as I do. He is and always will be one of my best friends. He has taught me that family, friends, hard work and integrity will take you a long way in life – and that’s what I try to live by.
What is the most important thing in your life right now? FAMILY!!!! My children Frederick and Cooper, my husband Fred, my sisters Rachel (Rob and niece Sandy – yes, she’s a German Shepherd) and Lauryn (James and baby niece Caroline), my mom Leann and my dad Craig. Where do I start? I can’t say enough about them! I LOVE being a mom, and raising two little boys keeps me on my toes. I love seeing life through their eyes. Being a mom can be challenging at times, but it is so much fun!! I dread the day when they grow up and move out of my house – I never want that day to come. Fred is the best husband and father to our boys that I could ever ask for, my sisters are my GIRLS and my best friends, and I can’t thank my parents enough for how I was raised and the life they gave me. My biggest dream for my children is that one day they are as fortunate as I am and have a family they love and adore as much as I do mine.