FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Editor’s Note: The Defense Logistics Agency recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 though Oct. 15. In honor of Hispanics’ contributions to the agency’s global mission, LDA is highlighting Hispanic Americans who work daily to provide logistics support to America’s warfighters and other federal customers.
My name is: Alfredo J. Otero
I am: The DLA director’s executive chauffeur and safety/security officer for the Office of the Director
Describe your job in a sentence: I’m in charge of coordinating and providing ground transportation and security for the DLA director, vice director and 11 senior executive leaders across the highly congested and dangerous National Capital Region as well as many other DLA locations.
How long have you worked at DLA? I’ve been assigned to DLA since January 2018.
What is your favorite thing about working for DLA? The vast amount of high-caliber knowledge that I’ve gained during my time here. As a logistician, this knowledge will definitely set me up for success once I return to the front lines in the near future.
What are your best memories of working here? Reuniting with old friends who I served with during prior deployments to Iraq and the family environment engraved within the agency.
How do you make a difference? I make a difference by constantly exceeding the standard in every single task performed and sharing the knowledge gained during my time here with other officers and noncommissioned officers across the Army. HOOAH!
What is one thing you'd like others to know about your heritage? I was born and raised in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and relocated to the mainland during my early teenage years. I’ve always been proud of my Puerto Rican heritage and culture, but I’d like others to know that Puerto Rican heritage is also American heritage. Both of my grandparents, Alfredo Otero Guzman and Juan P. Santiago Nieves served proudly during the Korean War as a part of the 65th Infantry Division out of Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico. With that being said, I’ll never forget my culture or where I’m from and I’ll never hesitate to lace up my boots and pick up my rucksack to ensure that the stars and stripes are always advancing forward against all enemies foreign and domestic.
Why is it important to you that we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? It’s important to celebrate the culture and traditions from those who spilled their blood, sweat and tears to make this great country what it is today. I’ll never forget my roots nor where I’m from, but I’ll always be an American soldier and I hope that one day in the near future we can all embrace each other as equals while celebrating American History Month.