RICHMOND, Virginia –
Defense Logistics Agency Aviation’s December Employee of the Month (EOM) is Russ Garzon. He serves as a quality assurance specialist for DLA Aviation Engineering Directorate’s Value Engineering Team at Richmond, Virginia. DLA Aviation Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Allan Day presented Garzon the award during a ceremony Jan. 28.
Dale Roberts is Garzon’s supervisor and nominated him for the December Employee of the Month Award. “Russ demonstrated superior performance, leadership and exemplary teamwork in defining and executing value engineering projects to improve acquisitions and reduce costs to DLA. His exceptional efforts are appreciated and recognized as a significant contributor in the branch’s quest to support DLA’s priorities,” said Roberts.
In his write-up, Roberts stated Garzon took the initiative to work with Category IV reverse overhaul products source approval requests that companies were having difficulty qualifying as a new source. He worked with suppliers who had high cost and delivery issues. Garzon supported a streamlined source approval process for qualifying a second source on a group of parts. Eight successful value engineering projects were completed during the month of December. This came on the heels of seven successful projects completed in November.
Roberts said since Garzon began working in Value Engineering, he has developed a total of 126 value engineering projects with savings of more than $5.8 million.
Garzon said he is humbled by the recognition. “Given that I work in an organization already filled with eligible people who are truly exemplary, the recognition is an honor to receive. I enjoy the work I do, and being recognized for one's effort is always a welcome development and positive motivator, “ said Garzon.