RICHMOND, VA –
Employee Spotlight: Victor Thomas
Organization: DLA Distribution Richmond
Years of Service: 42 years
What is your job title, and what do you do, specifically? Material Examiner Identifier. I receive items and check for kind, count and condition before processing them into Distribution Standard System and then getting them ready for the warfighter.
What do you like most about your job? I would say there are two main aspects of what I like most about my job; the unbreakable comradery I share with my co-workers and serving this great nation’s warfighters.
What aspect(s) of your current job gives you the most personal satisfaction? Before I began my career as a civil servant, I served as a warfighter and know firsthand the importance of what we do at DLA makes a huge difference in readiness.
If you could speak directly to the warfighters you support, what would you tell them? I know this may sound cliché, but I would shake as many hands as possible, give them a huge, and thank them for their service.
What was your first job? I joined the Army June 3,1974 at the age of 17. I served exactly three years before being honorably discharged on June 4,1977.
Where do you see yourself five years from now? In five years, I’ll be well into retirement, relaxing at my favorite quiet and peaceful place, fishing rod in my hands.
What’s your biggest pet peeve? Because I strive for excellence in everything I do, my biggest peeve is when something is not done correctly.
What are some of your passions outside of work? My greatest passion outside of work is Louise Thomas, my beautiful wife of 27 years. She has been my rock and guiding inspiration. I am also passionate about serving others and helping them grow spiritually through my work as a deacon at my church.
What’s the most thrilling/adventurous thing you have ever done? Serving on the 101st Airborne Bi-Centennial Color Guard at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky from 1975 to 1977.
If you could pick a personal motto, what would it be? My personal motto is pretty straightforward; pay attention to details the first time.
Who is the most influential person in your life...past or present? My mother was the most influential person in my life. I am who I am today because of her. She passed away in 2004, but I feel like a piece of her lives on through me.
What is your proudest accomplishment? I’ve had many accomplishments I am proud I achieved, but the one that sticks out the most in my mind is when I became a deacon at St. Paul’s Baptist Church here in Richmond. It was a true honor and blessing to be chosen for this position by the elders of the church.
What are your favorite television show(s) or movie(s)? I’m telling my age with this one, but I would say Andy Griffin is my favorite television show. I could sit and watch reruns for hours. I also enjoy taking in a good Western.
What type of music do you most enjoy? I enjoy jazz the most. I am a pretty laid back guy and jazz is in step with my personality.
Have you had a mentor that helped you grow in your career? The person I consider to be a mentor is my co-worker Patricia Williams. She’s a supply technician analyst for Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Richmond. She is constantly sharing her knowledge with me and has inspired me to become more organized and efficient in my duties. She has also shown me how to better serve the warfighters.