An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News | Dec. 17, 2020

What the holidays mean to me: Philip Smith

DLA Aviation Public Affairs

During the month of December, DLA Aviation Public Affairs will be running a special series of stories titled What the Holidays Mean to Me. The purpose is to spotlight members of the DLA Aviation workforce during the holidays. 

Name: Philip Smith

Organization: DLA Aviation- Jacksonville

What is your job title, and what do you do, specifically? I’m an avionics/flight controls/hydraulics supervisor. I manage a team of 12 awesome professionals who push daily to expedite material for repairs to a myriad of navy aircraft and end item components.

What do the holidays mean to you? To me, the holidays mean family. All of us have two families…we have the one at home that we spend our weekends and evenings living and loving with, and then we have the one at work, who becomes part of your extended family over time, sharing laughs and stories. Both families play important roles in our lives and can have a huge impact on the other. Christmas is when we should all to come together and celebrate life and the spirit of giving.

What are your fondest holiday memories? My dad was a truck driver and was gone for extended periods of time when I was a child. Always seeing him home every Christmas Eve and morning meant the world to me. He never missed a single one, even flying home to make it on time.

What is your favorite holiday tradition? My favorite holiday tradition is decorating the tree, the yard and of course, the house!

Name your favorite holiday song and why it’s your favorite? My favorite holiday song is “Snoopy Vs. the Red Baron” by the Royal Guardsmen. It’s always been my favorite for as long as I can remember. It never seems to get much airplay, so whenever it does come on, I stop what I’m doing and enjoy it.