# DLA Aviation Employee Spotlight: Kimberly Styron

/ Published April 22, 2020
HAMPTON, Va., 
Employee spotlight regularly features outstanding non-supervisory personnel from throughout the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation and other DLA employees on Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. Organizational directors may submit names of employees they wish to feature in this column to DLA Aviation Public Affairs. For more information, call (804) 279-3139.

**Name:** Kimberly P. Styron

**Organization:** DLA Aviation at Cherry Point, North Carolina

**Years of Service:** 5 years

**What is your job title, and what do you do, specifically?**As a customer support specialist I am here to make sure the customer has what he or she needs to complete the mission-at-hand. For example, if someone is in need of a specific part and that part is on backorder, I will do whatever it takes to provide this item to the customer. As such, I will research for lateral support, check DLA Disposition Services, and try to find government surplus and verify if there is an alternate item to offer. I will also request an expedited delivery for current contracts that may have a contract due date for a future date. If there is current stock, but the system has that stock blocked, then I will refer it to the correct department such as our business process analysts or resolution specialist. I do whatever it takes to provide the parts to complete the mission so that the aircraft or equipment can be used and trusted again by our warfighters. Ultimately, I am here for them!

**What do you like most about your job?** What I like most about my job is working as a team and getting the job done. Knowing that what I am doing is for my country and those that fight for us makes my job more satisfying.

**As a customer support specialist, how has your workload been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?**Since March 16, I have been home teleworking. However, I would have to say that overall, my workload has not been affected. I can still get everything done as I normally would except the location of where these tasks are done has changed. However, I would have to say that at this point, we are a little stir crazy, but I believe it’s better to be stir crazy than to be sick. So, all is well!

**What is your fondest memory of working for DLA Aviation?** I can’t say that I have only one fond memory, but I will say that I found it very fulfilling working in my old department because we worked directly with the customer. This allowed us to see first-hand the impact providing parts has on the mission.

**What kind(s) of training and education helps your work performance in your current role?** I have an associate degree in computer science, but the experience I gained over the years from working with computers made me a quick learner with regards to the programs we use on a daily basis. I have also found refresher courses relating to different programs to be a great learning tool and asset.

**If you could speak directly to the warfighters you support, what would you tell them**? I would thank them for everything they have volunteered to do to protect and serve the people of this fine country. I would thank the warfighter and their family personally for all the sacrifices they are willing to take and have taken to keep us Free!

**Where do you see yourself five years from now?** I will be working for DLA Aviation still supporting our military.

**What is the most surprising/unexpected thing others don’t know about you?** I love being on the water and living near the Pamlico Sound and Atlantic Ocean. There is nothing like the smell of salt in the air, and riding in a boat across the water with the waves beating on the sides of the boat while it rocks back and forth.

**If you could pick a personal motto, what would it be?** Don’t ever give up, keep your chin up, make your own happiness and remember to trust God in everything you do.

**What is your proudest accomplishment?** My proudest accomplishment would have to be my children. My oldest daughter became a licensed practical nurse just before her 20th birthday. She is now 22, working at a Navy clinic and in school full-time to become a registered nurse while also being a mother to my beautiful granddaughter. In addition, my youngest is 10 and doing very well in school. She is such a loving little girl! I call her my miracle because she was conceived after many years of trying. God has truly blessed me.

**What type of music do you most enjoy?** Classic rock and new country.

**Have you had a mentor that helped you grow in your career?****If so who, and how did they help?** Since I have been with DLA Aviation, I have had many mentors and helpers assist me. My leads, Ron Henry, John Ellis and Stewart Young, have been monumental in my career growth. I have learned a lot from each of them. My supervisor, Clyde Shaeffer, has also played a major role in my career. I have always looked up to him for advice in the hopes of helping me make the right decision with regards to my career goals and aspirations.